Poinsettia Bowl Puts Utah Against California

The Utah Utes made a statement last year that teams from non-BCS conferences can crush the big boys. The sixth ranked Utes played number-four Alabama in the Sugar Bowl and destroyed them. Less than 11 minutes into the game, Utah was up 21-0 on Alabama, an SEC team that won 12 games. They held on for a 31-17 victory, and finished the year with a 13-0 record. However, they were ranked second in the final AP poll, behind Florida, who won the national championship, but lost a game during the regular season. They jumped out to an 8-1 start this year, earning the 16^th ranking in the country. But, after losing two of their final three games, they dropped to #23 in the nation. True freshman quarterback Jordan Wynn became the team's starter late in the year, and played solid football. Junior running back Eddie Wide ran for just 67 yards in the team's first three games. But, following his sluggish start, Wide had six straight 100-yard rushing games, setting a school record. He finished the year with 1,032 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns.

California Golden Bears junior running back Jahvid Best entered this season with Heisman Trophy aspirations. In 8+ games, Best ran for 867 yards and 12 touchdowns, and totaled 213 yards and four touchdowns receiving. Best sustained a concussion in the Golden Bears ninth game and missed their final three games. He may not return to the field for the Poinsettia Bowl. California went 8-4 on the year. They lost to Oregon State (the game that Best sustained the concussion), and got killed at Washington in their regular season finale, to give them two losses in their final four games. Junior quarterback Kevin Riley threw 17 touchdowns and six interceptions. He had a tough time when Best was hurt, throwing four touchdowns and four interceptions in the team's final four games. California clearly struggled without Best, but sophomore running back Shane Vereen was fantastic in the team's final three games. Vereen gained only nine yards on five carries in the game when Best got hurt, but over his next two games, he piled up 72 carries for 352 yards and four touchdowns. He ran for 92 yards in California's last regular season game.

The Poinsettia Bowl will feature three talented running backs if Jahvid Best returns, in Best, Vereen, and Wide. Utah isn't the team they were last year, but they are still one of the top teams in the nation.

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