Bring Back the Fiesta!

Random observations on the Sweeter-than-Sugar Bowl week:

The Sugar Bowl was a nice change for the University of Utah, but if it ever gets back to a BCS bowl, the Fiesta is a much better fit. Ute fans did a nice job of traveling, but getting to New Orleans is much more expensive and difficult. Also, Arizona has a lot of built-in Ute fans who have ties to the state; that’s not the case in New Orleans…
The Fiesta Bowl could have selected Utah this year, but chose to go with the bigger TV ratings draw (Ohio State) instead. While it may seem stupid, it does make some sense. Especially because the Fiesta hosted Boise State two years ago. It’s not reasonable to expect the Fiesta to take a non-BCS team three times in five years…
Nobody thought Kyle Whittingham could do what Urban Meyer did. The Utes’ success this year is an indication that Whittingham has grown into his position and knows how to be a fine head coach, not just a quality assistant.
At the same time, it’s amazing how narrow the margin is between wild success and mediocrity. Whittingham could easily have lost five games (Michigan, TCU, Air Force, New Mexico, Oregon State), and finished 8-5 instead.