The University of Utah football team has dealt with tragedy this past year. Star running back Ty Jordan died of a gunshot wound last Christmas and his high school friend and Utah teammate, Aaron Lowe, was killed at a house party in Salt Lake this year.

On New Years Day, the University of Utah football team will make its first-ever Rose Bowl appearance. We spoke to reporter Michelle Bodkin of Ute Zone to discuss the game and how this historic season will be defined by more than wins and losses.

For more news on and off the field, sign up for our morning newsletter.

We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @CityCastSLC

Utah, The Rose Bowl, and the Number 22