THE COACHES

LAVELL EDWARDS — While Floyd Millet coached BYU to its first win in 1942 and Tommy Hudspeth led the Cougars to three straight in the '60s, nobody was a more central figure for longer than the stoic-faced Hall of Fame coach.

RON MCBRIDE — Urban Meyer led the U. to historic wins in 2003 and 2004 and Ike Armstrong posted an 18-1-3 mark (1925-1949), but friend and foe alike agree that LaVell's "good buddy" made Utah-BYU a rivalry once again.

THE PLAYERS

BYU QUARTERBACKS — Look at some of the prolific passing performances, and you'll find names like Jim McMahon, Steve Young, Robbie Bosco, Ty Detmer, Steve Sarkisian . . . and the list goes on.

UTAH RUNNING BACKS — Look at some of the key rushing performances, and you'll find Del "Popcorn" Rodgers, Carl Monroe, Eddie Johnson, Jamal Anderson, Mike Anderson, Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala . . . and the list goes on.

UTAH PLACEKICKERS — Known for some of the difference-making plays (both for better or for worse), the list includes Marv Bateman, Chris Yergensen, Tommy Truhe, Ryan Kaneshiro, Bryan Borreson . . . and the list goes on.

SCOTT MITCHELL AND MIKE MCCOY — Utah's "M&M" quarterbacks posted big numbers in memorable Ute rivalry victories — Mitchell in the 1988 rout at Rice Stadium and McCoy in the pair of 34-31 wins.

BRANDON DOMAN AND LUKE STALEY — Two key Cougars in two classic comeback wins, Doman for leading BYU to back-to-back rallies, and Staley for his electrifying sideline sprint in the 2001 game-winner.

ALEX SMITH — The last glimpse of the future NFL No. 1 draft pick at Rice-Eccles was of the U. quarterback riding off into the sunset on the shoulders of fans, sporting a sombrero.