Rule of thumb: just root against the Sun Devils

Following Utah football just got a lot more exciting now that the Utes are in the Pac-12, but not only because of the team’s own intriguing slate of games. Now nearly every Pac-12 game has a bearing on the Utes’ chances to represent the South in the conference championship game.

As a MWC member, there wasn’t much point in following the rest of the conference. Most weeks, the outcomes of games were usually either obvious (TCU vs. Wyoming … gee, I wonder who’s gonna win that one?) or pointless (New Mexico vs. UNLV … ummm, so? What else is on??)

But thanks to the divisional structure that exists in the newly formed Pac-12, diehard Ute fans now have a reason to tune in each week to root against fellow South Division members.

Some early games that matter to Utah:

Sept. 17, Arizona vs. Stanford … Go Cardinal (who is in the North Division)

Sept. 24 , Arizona State vs. USC. … Go USC (who is ineligible for post-season play).

Sept. 24, Arizona vs. Oregon … Go Ducks (who are in the North Division)

Oct. 1, Arizona State vs. Oregon State … Go OSU (who in the North Division)

In other words, root against the Sun Devils at all costs.

With more games mattering to Utah's chances at Pac-12 championship glory, 2011 will be the most fascinating, thrilling season in program history. Is it September YET???