UTAH RECEIVES CFT NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY

As mentioned earlier in the week by PFT and CFT bossman Mike Florio, College Football Talk has put its money where its mouth is, recognizing Utah as its official national champion. We even had a nice trophy made up (even nicer than this one), and presented it to coach Kyle Whittingham and the Utah Utes Thursday afternoon."We are tremendously thankful for the trophy that CollegeFootballTalk has awarded us, and the guys were really excited about getting it. It’s a great looking trophy,” Whittingham said.(Florio nods approvingly. . . . )"And while we’re grateful for the honor and the other plaques and awards we’ve received since the end of the season, we absolutely understand and acknowledge Florida as the National Champion, and the great job that Urban Meyer and the Gators did last season."Like most coaches, Whittingham has already put last season in the rear-view mirror and is looking forward to another great year with the Utes. “There is no slow time for us. We’re full go in the weight room and with our training and spring ball starts in about three weeks."Many people have wondered if there would be any consequences for Whittingham after he voted the Utes #1 in the coaches poll. He was quick to dispel any rumors. “There were no repercussions,” Whittingham said. “Grant Teaff of the American Football Coaches Association was very understanding. There weren’t any reprimands, and I didn’t mean any disrespect, nor was I trying to buck the system. But I felt that first and foremost, you need to stick up for your players."When the subject of a playoff system was brought up, Whittingham was optimistic. “I think something will change,” he said. “It’s not a matter of if, but when."For CFT, it’s no longer a matter of “if” when it comes to whether Utah is our official National Champion.