BYU, Utah football: Utahns try to pick the state's super bowl

It can divide communities, neighborhoods, friendships and even families. It can create tension or bonding. The BYU/Utah rivalry game is Saturday, and while Deseret News readers know where their friends and families stand, they may not know about some of the more well-known residents around town. Here is what some of them think will happen:

POLITICIANS

Jon M. Huntsman Jr., Utah governor — "I think (Louie) Sakoda punting and kicking will be the story." Utah 28, BYU 21.

Lewis K. Billings, Provo mayor — "I think it will be exciting and a very close game. BYU by three. There is something magical about 34-31, so let's make that BYU's number this year. Both teams come in with a real propensity to win. My guess is taking away all the rankings, etc., off and just going back to the game itself that both are talented, but I think BYU is ready to play some good football. When they (Cougars) show up, they are really tough. Coming in 12-0 may have some mental momentum working against Utah."

Ralph Becker, Salt Lake City mayor — "Of course I am predicting Utah. The Utes' overall team speed is just better, and that was one of the main reasons TCU was able to beat BYU."

Peter Corroon, Salt Lake County mayor — "I think it will be a close matchup. I'll use the magic 8-ball to decide and it says don't count on it or most likely. Even the 8-ball is confused. It should be a good game. I think it will be so close even the 8-ball can't decide the winner this year."

FORMER COACHES

LaVell Edwards, former BYU coach — "I can't say anything differently than I did for 40 years. This has the same impact for Utah as it did for us in 1984, and they have the BCS game, but it just boils down to a BYU-Utah game, and it will be a barnburner and will come right down to one play. Even if I had a thought of what the score might be, I wouldn't give it."

Ron McBride, Weber State coach and former Utah coach — "I just think Utah has more speed than BYU. Utah's back-end coverage guys will hold up well, and the speed of their linebackers will give BYU's offense some problems. In the kicking game, Sakoda obviously gives them an advantage because he just doesn't miss." Utah 31, BYU 21

SOCCER PLAYERS

Chris Wingert, Real Salt Lake defender — "For the little that I've followed it seems like they're a little bit better, but also it's at the U., and I think that will make a bit of a difference." Utah 21, BYU 17

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