Things Utah and BYU fans should take note of

"We're different but the same in the respect that we have a lot of highly ranked and highly regarded programs nationally," said U. media relations specialist Remi Barron.

Both schools have picked up some bragging rights to some non-academic awards, too. The U. was named No. 3 for greenest campus power by no less than the Environmental Protection Agency. BYU placed fourth on the U.S. News list for the lowest debt students carry at graduation.

Barron argues that BYU and Utah's rivalry doesn't really extend further than the playing field because both schools provide varying but enriching educational experience.

"We have a lot of different programs. They're good at a lot of things students look for," Barron said. "Sure it's a big rivalry on the field, but academically, not so much."

For more of BYU's academic rankings and merits, go to yfacts.byu.edu/viewarticle.aspx?id=282.

For more of Utah's academic rankings and merits, go to unews.utah.edu/rankings.

Email: sgambles@desnews.com