The University of Utah's hall does not require graduation. The College Football Hall of Fame also does not require its inductees to be graduates, "but it is preferred."

"That's understandable," says Holmoe. "The college hall of fame represents football; a university represents education and getting a degree."

But clearly it bothers Holmoe that McMahon is being left out of BYU's hall. It seems to be a glaring oversight, especially when all the other quarterback greats are in there. It's like inducting the Beatles, but excluding Paul.

"Rules are rules, and I didn't make them, but it's a hard thing not to see him in there," says Holmoe. "I love the guy. He's a great friend."

At least BYU has applied the rule consistently. There are a number of star athletes who are not in BYU's Hall of Fame because they didn't graduate, including Outland Trophy winners Jason Buck and Mo Elewonibi, All-American tight end Gordon Hudson and All-American defensive back Kyle Morrell.

The simplest remedy, of course, is for McMahon to finish his degree. A few years ago, he asked BYU officials about this, but "he decided against it because he's upset with them," says McMahon Sr. "He doesn't want to give them the satisfaction. He feels like he was treated badly by the way they let him go."

If McMahon changes his mind, Holmoe is there to help. He's worked with former BYU athletes who have returned to get their degree — a task made much easier these days by the Internet. Vai Sikahema, another of McMahon's former teammates who went on to NFL stardom, returned to complete his degree in the spring of 2002, 17 years after he left school. He was inducted into the hall of fame later that year.

"Some of these athletes can go on and have pro careers, and that's why they leave before they get their degrees," says Holmoe. "By the time they're done with their careers, it's pretty far down the road, and they don't necessarily need it. It's just a matter of wanting to do it and finding time."

As for McMahon, Holmoe says, "I'll lay out any plan to get him in; it would be a great day."

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E-mail: drob@desnews.com