Working on the chain gang

A dozen or so sideline crew members are at the officials' beck and call for each college football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

Here's a breakdown of what the responsibilities are:

• 2 holding upright orange sticks on each end of the 10-yard chain
• 2 placing the orange first-down arrow markers on the ground (1 on each side of field)
• 2 holding numeral downs-marker stick at line of scrimmage (1 on each side of field)

• 1 to clip chain on nearest 5-yard mark to help keep consistent measurements
• 1 with radio to communicate with stadium scoreboard operator to convey official ball placement
• 1 to write down all penalties from the official
• 4-6 ballboys (usually 2 on each sideline; 1 in each end zone)

Sentimental sideline souvenirs
Bill Earl and Doug Pyke have been longtime fixtures on the sideline at University of Utah home football games. Here are a few of the memories and players that stand out from their nearly 45 years of service:

• Some favorite Ute players:
— Quarterback Alex Smith (who was polite after plowing Pyke over one time)
— Running back Jamal Anderson (no, they won't do the Dirty Bird dance if you ask)
— Wide receiver Steve Smith (the "biggest trash-talker" they ever heard but "a real warrior")
— Quarterback Scott Mitchell (threw the ball as far as anyone they can remember)

• Best opponent:
— BYU quarterback Jim McMahon: They remember the Cougar star from the early 1980s as being a "cocky guy" who threw the "best ball" they've ever seen

• Strangest conditions:
— Back in the 1960s, then-U. coach Mike Giddings would try to give the Utes a competitive advantage against quicker opponents by watering down the field the night before the game. One time, he allegedly turned on the sprinklers and forgot to turn them off. The next day, Earl, Pyke and everybody else had to slosh through 4-6 inches of water on the swampy field.

• Favorite scoreboard moment:

— The entire 2004 Fiesta Bowl season was a blast, of course. And does 34-31 ring a bell to anyone?

• Favorite non-Utah sideline to work on:

— Air Force Academy: The cadets are apparently respectful gentlemen who say a whole lot of "yes, sir" and "no, sir"

• Least favorite non-Utah sideline to work on:

— BYU: Shocker, eh? Apparently, the Cougars can be hard to handle when they're playing in Salt Lake City

• Favorite scoreboard moment in non-BYU game:

— Utah 42, Wyoming 3: The 1965 victory under coach Ray Nagel snapped a 7-game losing streak against the Pokes

• Prized pigskin possession: