My memory of Utah is overwhelmingly the 2015 game. It was my first and only time visiting Utah and SLC and I was blown away by how amazing and nice the fans were. Even after Goff's turnovers and the loss, I had random fans come up to us to say how they wanted to see us in the CCG (me too sigh...).
And it was obvious how much they enjoyed being in the Pac-12. SLC had these pac-12 banners and so many of their fans were thrilled at being with us. Now granted some of that was them laughing at BYU but still.
A very touching tribute from an honored opponent. It breaks my heart to see the Pac-12 come apart. But money trumps everything these days. Good luck to Cal in the future and may we meet again. Go Bears.
Other than the 2019 shellacking being tied for the worst Cal game I have ever attended, I agree with the sentiments expressed here. Good teams, good fans, nice campus. Very much enjoyed their recent wins over USC. They were unfortunate to lose Cam Rising in the 2023 Rose Bowl and missed him a great deal this past season.
Uu is the most at risk with recruiting as a big12 member. The loss of California conference games can only hurt uu California recruiting. As big12 member, uu now have the "green light" with tx HS coaches that make deep playoff runs to recruit their top tier talent. However, uu has no traction in Texas. Uofa and asu are making huge Texas gains in '25 class. Kids from solid tx HS playoff teams and even tx powerhouse state champions aledo and duncanville. Uu has a major perception program with top tier tx kids. The aledo money parks commit was an anomaly.
You want to look at Utah's roster again? They have deep recruiting roots in Texas and have for several years. Both of the young men who were killed were both Texas recruits, their 2024 class had multiple Texas recruits and their 2025 class already has several.
My memory of Utah is overwhelmingly the 2015 game. It was my first and only time visiting Utah and SLC and I was blown away by how amazing and nice the fans were. Even after Goff's turnovers and the loss, I had random fans come up to us to say how they wanted to see us in the CCG (me too sigh...).
And it was obvious how much they enjoyed being in the Pac-12. SLC had these pac-12 banners and so many of their fans were thrilled at being with us. Now granted some of that was them laughing at BYU but still.
I'm gonna miss them.
One of my favorite Pac-12 teams. They'll always have a place in my heart, and when the band gets back together I hope they join us.
A very touching tribute from an honored opponent. It breaks my heart to see the Pac-12 come apart. But money trumps everything these days. Good luck to Cal in the future and may we meet again. Go Bears.
They made us better with their smash mouth football and generally gracious and hospitable fans.
Great insights, Avi.
They won with three star recruits and great coaching, granted academic standards are not apples to apples.
They were not a PACIFIC team. More like a Rocky Mountain team. Glad we don't play them anymore.
That’s correct. Geography didn’t match the configuration of the Pac12. Fortunately for you Clemson and Florida St are a much better match.
Other than the 2019 shellacking being tied for the worst Cal game I have ever attended, I agree with the sentiments expressed here. Good teams, good fans, nice campus. Very much enjoyed their recent wins over USC. They were unfortunate to lose Cam Rising in the 2023 Rose Bowl and missed him a great deal this past season.
Uu is the most at risk with recruiting as a big12 member. The loss of California conference games can only hurt uu California recruiting. As big12 member, uu now have the "green light" with tx HS coaches that make deep playoff runs to recruit their top tier talent. However, uu has no traction in Texas. Uofa and asu are making huge Texas gains in '25 class. Kids from solid tx HS playoff teams and even tx powerhouse state champions aledo and duncanville. Uu has a major perception program with top tier tx kids. The aledo money parks commit was an anomaly.
You want to look at Utah's roster again? They have deep recruiting roots in Texas and have for several years. Both of the young men who were killed were both Texas recruits, their 2024 class had multiple Texas recruits and their 2025 class already has several.