The All-Mountain West Conference first-teamer has made immense strides, playing as both a running back and a wide receiver since arriving at the U in 2005 when he spent his freshman season as a redshirt.

The No. 6 Utes are ready to march into the Big Easy against the No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide, a 12-1 team that owned the top spot in college football for five impressive weeks during the season.

By James Boehly, Staff WriterAlabama Crimson Tide (12-1, 8-1 SEC)Alabama 34, Clemson 10 * Aug. 30 (Atlanta, Ga.)Alabama's offense kept the ball for a little more than 41 minutes, held Clemson to zero rushing...

Here is a bowl guide to New Orleans for those whose wallets are as empty as Plaxico Burress' noggin.

It is going to be a tough challenge for Utah to pound away at 'Bama's immense defense. However, offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig is just as concerned with the overall speed of the defense as he is with the size of it.

Ute fans have every reason to loathe Alabama head coach Nick Saban after his statement that Alabama was the only team to go 12-0 in a real Bowl Championship Series conference after his team lost out on its chance to go to the BCS Championship game.

A crucial aspect of Utah's preparation for bowl games and regular season games alike is film study, something Utah defensive end Paul Kruger said the team spends a lot of time on.

Utah has won this ratio in almost every game this year, which has resulted in a successful season. The team is plus-11 on the year in terms of takeaways to giveaways.

Whether Alabama comes prepared or not, Utah has already begun to use the wave of doubt as a wet rock, and Utah's four-inch steel blade won't be the only thing that's sharp come Jan. 2.

After winning 19 of their last 20 games, Utah's win streak and hopes of getting to the Elite Eight for the first time in school history were crushed by No. 5 seed Washington Huskies as the Utes got swept for just the third time this season 25-16, 25-20, 25-16.