Times have changed, however. As a returning NCAA Tournament team, the Utes will likely be favored against the Red Raiders who last went dancing in 2007.
If they prevail in the first round, the Utes are slated to face the winner of a Miami vs. Mississippi State game, which leaves the door open for a chance for the Utes to meet with former UCLA coach Ben Howland, now the Bulldogs' head man.
The other half of the bracket features Butler vs. Missouri State and Minnesota vs. Temple. The championship is scheduled for Nov. 22. Times are still to be determined.