Utah vs. CU Boulder
The Matchup
11-16-24
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah
#1 Public University in the West (WSJ, 2023)
#7 Undergrad Entrepreneur Program (U.S. News & World Report, 2024)
Nationally Ranked Top 10 Eye Center (U.S. News & World Report, 2024)
University of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, Colorado
#4 in World, Geosciences (U.S. News & World Report, 2024)
#1 City for Green Startups (Promoleaf, 2022)
#8 in Aerospace Engineering Sciences (U.S. News & World Report, 2024)
The Academic Matchup
University of Utah
Genetic Discoveries
The University of Utah is a genetic research powerhouse, discovering over 50 genes tied to inherited disease risk. From breast cancer indicators to a colon cancer gene traced back to 1630s Pilgrims, U scientists are reimagining how we predict and prevent hereditary diseases.
Bionic Breakthroughs
At the University of Utah, science fiction becomes reality as engineers craft cutting-edge bionic limbs. The Utah Bionic Leg, honored as one of Time’s Best Inventions in 2023, allows amputees to navigate uneven terrain with movements that closely mimic a natural leg.
Birth of the Internet
The University of Utah has played a pivotal role in America’s cybersecurity and the birth of the internet. As one of the first four hosts of ARPANET in 1969, the U helped create a decentralized computer network designed to withstand nuclear attacks. This Cold War innovation evolved into today’s internet, transforming global communication and cementing the U’s place in digital history.
Geothermal Game-Changer
Utah FORGE is a groundbreaking $218 million geothermal project funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. The project just hit a milestone in clean energy production. By circulating water through deep, hot rock formations, University of Utah researchers have tapped into Earth’s natural energy-generating heat, potentially unlocking a limitless source of clean energy. This breakthrough could revolutionize how we power our world.
University of Colorado Boulder
Tom Cech and mRNA
Nobel Prize recipient Tom Cech's research, particularly his discovery of the catalytic properties of RNA, has revolutionized the way scientists perceive the role of mRNA in cellular processes. His work revealed that RNA could function as an enzyme. This discovery was instrumental in understanding how mRNA molecules can influence gene expression and cellular functions.
Out of This World
The University of Colorado Boulder is a prominent center for aerospace research, known for its cutting-edge facilities and contributions to space science and technology. CU Boulder is the top public university in NASA funding and boasts 19 university-affiliated astronauts.
Leading the Way in Climate Awareness
In December 2022, the inaugural Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit addressed the interconnectedness of human rights and climate change. CU Boulder held the first summit, which gathered some of the world's foremost human rights, scientific, political, educational, cultural and industry leaders. The second summit will take place in Oxford, England, in June 2025.
Physical Sciences
CU Boulder has had four Nobel laureates in physics and JILA, one of the nation's leading research institutes in the physical sciences, and is a leader in quantum physics research.
Featured Research Collaboration
Only the nose knows
The Odor2Action consortium includes a lab at CU Boulder that uses lasers to visualize how odors flow in complex environments and a lab at the University of Utah that studies how animals use sensory information, particularly odors, to guide their behavior. By observing mice, researchers discovered that specific areas in the brain respond sensitively to distinct odor molecules, crucial for detecting food or avoiding danger. This collaborative research enhances understanding of how sniffing affects brain processing of smells. A recent study showed that sniffing patterns are vital for animals in navigating their dynamic odor landscapes, revealing the intricate dance between scent and survival. Read more.
Traditions
University of Utah
Moment of Loudness
Between the 3rd and 4th quarters of every University of Utah home football game, players and fans pay tribute to Ty Jordan and Aaron Lowe, two players whose lives were cut short in 2020 and 2021, respectively. For 22 seconds (the number they both wore), players and fans hold up two fingers on each hand.
Third Down Jump
A Mighty Utah Student Section (MUSS) tradition arose when the University of Utah upset No. 11 UCLA 44-6 in 2007. The bedlam produced by The MUSS on 3rd downs caused several false starts for the Bruins. Now, at every game, the entire stadium joins the MUSS in making as much noise as humanly possible when the opposing team is on a 3rd down.
University of Colorado Boulder
Ralphie Running
Since 1967, CU Boulder’s live mascot, Ralphie the Buffalo, has kicked off each home football game with an electrifying run down the field, leading the way for the team. Charging down field with her are the Ralphie handlers, each an NCAA athlete.
Singing the Fight Song
For decades, Buff fans have stood "shoulder to shoulder" at campus sporting events to sing the university's beloved fight song.
Notable Alums
University of Utah
J. Willard and Alice J. Marriott, founders of J. Marriott International, the global hotel leader with over 9,000 locations
Ed Catmull, founder of Pixar, who used his computer science expertise to create cinematic magic
Holly Rowe, one of the lead sports reporters for ESPN and ABC, contributes to college football, men's college basketball, and women's college basketball coverage
University of Colorado Boulder
Kalpana Chawla, an engineer, pilot and fallen astronaut who became the first Indian-born woman in space in 1997 aboard the shuttle Columbia
Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple, technology entrepreneur, philanthropist and member of the Inventors Hall of Fame
Trey Parker and Matt Stone, co-creators of the hit animated series South Park who famously met in a CU Boulder film class