In Pictures: Undefeated! Utah Scores Sugar Bowl Stunner Over Alabama, Renews BCS Debate

Mike Eagan

Senior Analyst Written on January 02, 2009

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(Above: Utah LB Stevenson Sylvester makes clear who he thinks is No. 1.)

Let the debate commence—again.

Utah stunned Alabama in the Allstate Sugar Bowl on Friday night by a score of 31-17, completing an undefeated season and igniting another controversy over college football's lack of a playoff system.

Behind the passing attack of senior quarterback Brian Johnson, the Utes stormed to an early 21-0 lead in the first quarter and never looked back. The Crimson Tide briefly cut the lead to 21-17 early in the third quarter after a Utah turnover on the opening drive of the second half. But Johnson's 28-yard touchdown pass to David Reed less than 100 seconds later gave Utah the breathing room it would need the rest of the way.

It's the second time in five seasons that the Utes (13-0) have finished a season undefeated. It's also the second time in five seasons that an unbeaten Utah team will not get a chance to play for the BCS National Championship.

Meanwhile, the season for Nick Saban's Alabama squad (12-2) ends on a decisively sour note. After holding the #1 spot in the BCS standings for four weeks, the Tide has since squandered its berth in the title game, and now its presumed consolation prize.

Unfortunately, the Utes never received the same chance that Alabama did. For that, we have the college presidents and their beloved BCS to thank.

Brent Casteel

Utah WR Brent Casteel dives for the Utes' opening score...

Brent Casteel

...and celebrates in style. The first quarter rout was on.

Bradon Godfrey

Bradon Godfrey leaps after his TD catch staked the Utes to a three-touchdown first quarter lead.

Nick Saban

"Wait a minute...aren't WE supposed to be the 10-point favorites?"

Javier Arenas

Javier Arenas provided the lone spark for the Tide in the first half, returning this punt for a 73-yard touchdown in the second quarter.

Kyle Whittingham

Utah coach Kyle Whittingham does his best not to look like the cat that ate the canary.

Utah Fans

Ute fans were understandably less restrained, whether fueled by Bourbon Street spirits, or just good old fashioned team spirit.

Superdome

The crowd enjoys the halftime presentation. Reports say tickets were plentiful outside the Superdome before the game, and some seats in the upper reaches went unfilled.

Utah Marching Band

The Utah Marching Band performs during halftime on the Superdome field.

Freddie Brown

Utes WR Freddie Brown runs after one of his 12 catches. Brown tallied 125 yards receiving on the night.

John Parker Wilson

Alabama quarterback John Parker Wilson (18-for-30, 177 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT) had a rough night, seen here after one of the seven sacks he endured.

John Parker Wilson

Another sack of Wilson by...

Stevenson Sylvester

...Stevenson Sylvester, who had three on the night.

John Parker Wilson

No sack allowed here, but that's probably little consolation to Wilson.

Brian Johnson

Utah QB Brian Johnson drops back to pass in the fourth quarter. Johnson was superb, completing 27-of-41 for 336 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Nick Saban

Nick Saban tries to fire his team up in the fourth quarter.

Gatorade shower

Coach Whittingham receives the victory shower...

Saban and Whittingham

...then receives the victory handshake from Saban.

Whittingham and Johnson

Coach and quarterback hoist their prize.

Brian Johnson

Johnson's performance was enough to garner him the Most Outstanding Player trophy.

Celebration

The rest of the Utes get their turn with the trophy...

Fans

...and show some love to the fans who made the trip to New Orleans.

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In Pictures: Undefeated! Utah Scores Sugar Bowl Stunner Over Alabama, Renews BCS Debate

Mike Eagan

Share This Article

Brent Casteel

Brent Casteel

Bradon Godfrey

Nick Saban

Javier Arenas

Kyle Whittingham

Utah Fans

Superdome

Utah Marching Band

Freddie Brown

John Parker Wilson

John Parker Wilson

Stevenson Sylvester

John Parker Wilson

Brian Johnson

Nick Saban

Gatorade shower

Saban and Whittingham

Whittingham and Johnson

Brian Johnson

Celebration

Fans

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