Tailgate/Game Notes

We had a fairly large contingent of Utetailgaters.com folks that made this historic trip: Mike & Bonnie Clark, Landon (Erin, Annie, Elliot) Clark, Bob/Matt/Brad/Eric Short, Tony Milne, Rob "The Zoob" Christensen, Troy Chilton, Zak Peterson, Emily Allen, and Bryan Tippetts.  First off, we all arrived early to the campus of Michigan to take in the atmosphere that makes up one of the most prestigious college football programs in the country.  We took a stroll along campus taking in the Michigan tailgating which is 2nd to none by the way.  Michigan was the talk of the college football opening weekend as they were debuting their new head coach Rich Rodriguez (former W Virginia head coach) and a new spread offense.  Many critics were predicting a Michigan win proclaiming that Michigan would wear down the Utes with their superior athletes.  However, a few (ESPN's Colin Cowherd & Lou Holtz) predicted the upset citing the many returning starters of the Utes and their familiarity with the spread offense.  This proved to be true for most of the game but especially in the first half where the Ute offense stymied the Wolverines offense.  Michigan did strike first blood by taking a lead 7-0 on a TD pass that was setup with a fumbled punt return by the Utes.  After this, QB-Brian Johnson settled in and led Utah on several scoring drives that resulted in FG's by KR-Louie Sakoda including a new career long 53 yarder. The Ute defense stepped up late in the 2nd half to end the Wolverine comeback and seal the victory in the BIG HOUSE!!