Tailgate/Game Notes

Our last tailgate of the season (I know it went by sooo fast?!) brought us the 4th Annual Utetailgaters.com Chili Cook Off.  A very good turnout (maybe 50?) came out on a sunny but cool Saturday afternoon.  We had 10 entries this year and the tightest vote yet.  The winners were all separated by 1 pt each!  Many thanks to everyone who brought chilis: The Madsens, Clark's, Blacks, Nate & Ashley, Nick Clark, Randy McCracken, and Dave Oakley.

1st: Emily Allen (Turkey Tabasco Chili)    2nd: Bryan Tippetts (3-Peat Chili)    3rd: Erin Clark (Best Ever Pulled Pork Chili)

We also had the opportunity to participate in a cornhole tournament against our tailgate neighbors to the north.  We had a total of 16 teams compete over 2 hours and the winning twosome was Matt & Scott of the 'Juan Diego Coaches ute tailgaters'.

As for the game, well it as sweet revenge as the last two rivalry games have come down to the last play.  #8 Utah brought in their 11-0 record and the outright MWC championship on the line.  The #14 Cougars (10-1) were hoping to spoil the Utes' chances on BCS bowl bid and earn a share of the MWC title.  The Utes had other plans as they set the mood straight even before kickoff by preventing the Cougars from performing their pregame 'Haka dance'.  Thanks to 6 turnovers by QB Max Hall (5 int/1 fumble) the Utes cruised to a relatively easy 48-24 win and clinched a BCS bowl bid but more importantly a MWC championship and a perfect 12-0 record.  Ute QB Brian Johnson had possibly his best game as a Ute going 30-36 for 303 yards and 4 TD's.  Click here for the full game recap and stats!

Thanks to everyone who made an effort this year to come out for one (if not all) the tailgates.  Many of you helped with setup and clean up - don't worry I don't forget it.  I hope the tailgates are fun and enjoyable and that it's worth your time and money.  I hope you all look forward to next season!!  Keep tuned in to the website for info about our golf tournament in June 2009.