As expected, Saturday's contest was long on attitude. When BYU players attempted to do a haka war dance during pre-game warm-ups, the Utes took exception. Soon officials were separating the teams.

"They can't do that on our field," said Johnson. "That's disrespect."

Boos rained down, angry words were exchanged.

Ho-hum. Just another BYU-Utah game.

Once the game began, there was a fair sampler of everything: fumbles, interceptions, acrobatic catches and trick plays. And that was just in the first half. BYU tied the score at 17 when quarterback Max Hall faked like he was walking away from the play and the Cougars executed a direct snap to Harvey Unga.

Utah answered with a field goal and a twisting end zone grab by David Reed.

Although the outcome was in doubt through three quarters, the Utes intercepted three passes and scored three touchdowns in the final quarter. What had been building to be another gut-wrenching finish ended in a rout.

Anticipating a crush of fans on the field, a la 2004, officials dismantled the goalposts in advance. Fans were told to stay off the field, and though that didn't exactly happen, it did keep things under control.

In the end, it was the same as last time only different. Fans were undoubtedly excited; players, too. Defensive end Paul Kruger appeared in the interview room wearing beads — the type worn in New Orleans, home of the Sugar Bowl.

Yet in a way, the celebration was a bit less rowdy, a bit cooler.

Maybe that's because there's an old saying about showboating: Act like you've been there.

In the Utes' case, what can they say? They have.

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E-mail: rock@desnews.com