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BYU football: Cougars' 2009 football opener is OK
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1939 to 2008* | 1:52 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009
*AP Poll rankings: see www.appollarchive.com/football/ap/teams/index.cfm
Y addict | 1:59 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009
This is exciting news for BYU fans. I hope the game is still exciting after the
first quarter. I like the scheduling though. I'd rather see a good
football game against Ok. (even if we lose) than a big win against a lower
division team. Let's hope our defense gets a complete overhaul before next
season and that Collie returns.
Comments continue below
Utah Man Sir | 2:03 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009
I for one think it is great, I hope BYU can if not win keep it a close
respectable game. I quite frankly am more impressed with OK willingness to
schedule this game. It is going to be more and more difficult for the Utes,
Cougs, Hornefrogs, and Broncos to get tought non-conference games due to past
accomplishments
Big Jake | 2:21 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009
Let's not forget! TCU missed an easy field goal against the utes. If it
was good, it's Boise St. against Alabama. Oregon St. could have been a lost
also. Often luck has to mix with skill to be a winner. The best teams
don't always win. I feel TCU is the best team in the conference.
Twice BYU has played the previous years national champion and won. Let's hope some luck and skill is with the Oklahoma & Florida game.
Twice BYU has played the previous years national champion and won. Let's hope some luck and skill is with the Oklahoma & Florida game.
John Lambert | 2:25 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009
Reality | 10:55 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009 wrote;
"BYU Football 1-21 against top 25 ranked teams.
BYU Basketball hasn't won a Tournament Game in almost 20 years (1992).
The above statistics are real and must be a horrible thing to have to carry around BYU fan's necks."
Wow, I never realized how bad BYU's football and basketball programs were until I saw this statistic. This puts in perspective for me. Go Utes!!
"BYU Football 1-21 against top 25 ranked teams.
BYU Basketball hasn't won a Tournament Game in almost 20 years (1992).
The above statistics are real and must be a horrible thing to have to carry around BYU fan's necks."
Wow, I never realized how bad BYU's football and basketball programs were until I saw this statistic. This puts in perspective for me. Go Utes!!
SCJ | 2:24 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009
re: 1939 to 2008,
WOW, I just checked out the website and when you compare Utah and BYU, you can see the huge disparity. This is why BYU us considered to have a better football tradition, although Utah has come around as of late.
WOW, I just checked out the website and when you compare Utah and BYU, you can see the huge disparity. This is why BYU us considered to have a better football tradition, although Utah has come around as of late.
SEC Cougar | 2:38 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009
I'm going to go out on a limb here and make the prediction that BYU will
either win the game of lose the game. That's all we can really say at this
point.
Football Tradition | 2:45 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009
BYU AP Football Poll Summary
Provo, UT | FBS - MWC
Weeks.All.Preseason.Final
...at #1_4_0_1
...at #2_0_0_0
...in Top 5_17_0_2
...in Top 10_56_1_3
...in Top 25_218_10_15
Ranked in 22% of 986 polls
Seasons Ranked
1974 1977 1979 1980 1981 1983 1984 1985 1986 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1996 1997 1999 2001 2006 2007 2008
Ranked in 23 out of 73 seasons (32%)
Utah AP Football Poll Summary
Weeks.All.Preseason.Final
...at #1_0_0_0
...at #2_0_0_0
...in Top 5_5_0_1
...in Top 10_18_0_2
...in Top 25_50_1_3
Ranked in 5% of 986 polls
Seasons Ranked
1947 1994 1996 2003 2004 2008
Ranked in 6 out of 73 seasons (8%)
When Jerry Jones talked about the "strong traditional college football programs as those at the University of Oklahoma and Brigham Young University", he knew what he was talking about.
Since 2006, BYU (32-7) and Oklahoma (34-7) are two of only seven teams in the country to win at least 32 games during that span, along with Boise State (35-4), Florida (34-6), USC (34-5), Ohio State (33-5) and Texas (32-7).
Utah has had a great couple of seasons in the last 5 years, but they have a LONG ways to go to match BYU's football tradition.
Provo, UT | FBS - MWC
Weeks.All.Preseason.Final
...at #1_4_0_1
...at #2_0_0_0
...in Top 5_17_0_2
...in Top 10_56_1_3
...in Top 25_218_10_15
Ranked in 22% of 986 polls
Seasons Ranked
1974 1977 1979 1980 1981 1983 1984 1985 1986 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1996 1997 1999 2001 2006 2007 2008
Ranked in 23 out of 73 seasons (32%)
Utah AP Football Poll Summary
Weeks.All.Preseason.Final
...at #1_0_0_0
...at #2_0_0_0
...in Top 5_5_0_1
...in Top 10_18_0_2
...in Top 25_50_1_3
Ranked in 5% of 986 polls
Seasons Ranked
1947 1994 1996 2003 2004 2008
Ranked in 6 out of 73 seasons (8%)
When Jerry Jones talked about the "strong traditional college football programs as those at the University of Oklahoma and Brigham Young University", he knew what he was talking about.
Since 2006, BYU (32-7) and Oklahoma (34-7) are two of only seven teams in the country to win at least 32 games during that span, along with Boise State (35-4), Florida (34-6), USC (34-5), Ohio State (33-5) and Texas (32-7).
Utah has had a great couple of seasons in the last 5 years, but they have a LONG ways to go to match BYU's football tradition.
ATC | 3:00 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009
I think this is a really good move by Mendenhall. Everyone will expect BYU to
lose, so their ranking can't go down, and could go up even if they lose. If
BYU wins their rankings will shoot through the roof.
I think it is funny how the Ute fans want BYU to lose, but BYU wanted the Utes to beat Alabama. If BYU can pull off a win, then the Mountain West will prove they are just as good as the rest of the country. Oh and Ute fans stop being jealous that BYU has a strong non-conference schedule, while Utah is stuck with a weak schedule, just like this year.
I think it is funny how the Ute fans want BYU to lose, but BYU wanted the Utes to beat Alabama. If BYU can pull off a win, then the Mountain West will prove they are just as good as the rest of the country. Oh and Ute fans stop being jealous that BYU has a strong non-conference schedule, while Utah is stuck with a weak schedule, just like this year.
AP Rankings speak out loud | 3:01 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009
AP Rankings
BYU
Weeks...
All Preseason Final
...at #1 4 0 1
...at #2 0 0 0
...in Top 5 17 0 2
...in Top 10 56 1 3
...in Top 25 218 10 15
Utah
Weeks...
All Preseason Final
...at #1 0 0 0
...at #2 0 0 0
...in Top 5 5 0 1
...in Top 10 18 0 2
...in Top 25 50 1 3
BYU
Weeks...
All Preseason Final
...at #1 4 0 1
...at #2 0 0 0
...in Top 5 17 0 2
...in Top 10 56 1 3
...in Top 25 218 10 15
Utah
Weeks...
All Preseason Final
...at #1 0 0 0
...at #2 0 0 0
...in Top 5 5 0 1
...in Top 10 18 0 2
...in Top 25 50 1 3
UNLV Grad | 3:09 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009
John Lambert | 2:25 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009
Reality | 10:55 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009 wrote;
"BYU Football 1-21 against top 25 ranked teams.
BYU Basketball hasn't won a Tournament Game in almost 20 years (1992).
The above statistics are real and must be a horrible thing to have to carry around BYU fan's necks."
Wow, I never realized how bad BYU's football and basketball programs were until I saw this statistic. This puts in perspective for me. Go Utes!!
This really puts it in perspective for me too.
Reality | 10:55 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009 wrote;
"BYU Football 1-21 against top 25 ranked teams.
BYU Basketball hasn't won a Tournament Game in almost 20 years (1992).
The above statistics are real and must be a horrible thing to have to carry around BYU fan's necks."
Wow, I never realized how bad BYU's football and basketball programs were until I saw this statistic. This puts in perspective for me. Go Utes!!
This really puts it in perspective for me too.
re:Lambert | 3:17 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009
Read Football Tradition 2:45 pm
Tradition does not happen in the past 5 minutes.
If BYU is as bad as you say, think about the poor Utes having to compare themselves to BYU.
That is why no one considers the U of U, BSU as a program with tradition.
That is why BYU has a loyal fanbase. We're not there to bash the U (see: Ute Fan), we're there because we have been through it, and know with BYU, there is good and bad (Ute Fans are touting this years 10-3 record as mediocre) -- How many consecutive conference championships has Utah had? How many consecutive 10 win seasons has Utah had? To a BYU fan, the past seson has been disappointing, but overall a good year with a bright future. (I, like most Y fans, don't really care what Utah has, doesn't matter one bit).
The fact is if you have been following BYU 45 years like I have, it continues to be a great ride.
If you have been following Utah for 45 years, life has been solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.
So, Mr. John Lambert, trash BYU as much as you like to float your boat.
Tradition does not happen in the past 5 minutes.
If BYU is as bad as you say, think about the poor Utes having to compare themselves to BYU.
That is why no one considers the U of U, BSU as a program with tradition.
That is why BYU has a loyal fanbase. We're not there to bash the U (see: Ute Fan), we're there because we have been through it, and know with BYU, there is good and bad (Ute Fans are touting this years 10-3 record as mediocre) -- How many consecutive conference championships has Utah had? How many consecutive 10 win seasons has Utah had? To a BYU fan, the past seson has been disappointing, but overall a good year with a bright future. (I, like most Y fans, don't really care what Utah has, doesn't matter one bit).
The fact is if you have been following BYU 45 years like I have, it continues to be a great ride.
If you have been following Utah for 45 years, life has been solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.
So, Mr. John Lambert, trash BYU as much as you like to float your boat.
BYU's little sister | 3:16 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009
If the Cougars have a shot at beating Oklahoma it will be next year, because
Bradford will most likely leave, that means they will be breaking in a new QB.
Yes the Sooners are going to be faster and more athletic, but they won't be
able to move the ball too well if they can't pass effectively.
I thought that maybe after Utah won the Sugar Bowl then they might stop or at least slow down on putting BYU down on the message boards, but no. There are just about as many BYU hater comments than there are actual fans, I guess this means that BYU's little sister is still pooping in their diaper in the shadows. And all Utah fans know that they will never have a tradition, fan base, and support as good as BYU. So Utah fans, enjoy the win because your not going to have the glory for long.
Any new reports out of Honolulu about Manti T'eo, has he narrowed down his choices? Here is for hoping we can get this kid, 5 star #1 strongside high school linebacker in the nation.
I thought that maybe after Utah won the Sugar Bowl then they might stop or at least slow down on putting BYU down on the message boards, but no. There are just about as many BYU hater comments than there are actual fans, I guess this means that BYU's little sister is still pooping in their diaper in the shadows. And all Utah fans know that they will never have a tradition, fan base, and support as good as BYU. So Utah fans, enjoy the win because your not going to have the glory for long.
Any new reports out of Honolulu about Manti T'eo, has he narrowed down his choices? Here is for hoping we can get this kid, 5 star #1 strongside high school linebacker in the nation.
Re; Big Jake | 3:23 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009
Let's not forget also that Washington had an extra point blocked that would
have forced OT. Let's not forget a last-second TD pass against CSU that
the DB missed by a fingernail. Otherwise, it would have been CSU in the Vegas
Bowl and BYU would have been lucky to get to the New Mexico Bowl. (Now
there's an exciting bowl destination - but that's a topic for another
day...)
It's true that luck plays a part, but don't single out the Utes as the only team to ever get lucky. Do the phrases "4th and 18" or "Harline's still open" ring any bells?
It's true that luck plays a part, but don't single out the Utes as the only team to ever get lucky. Do the phrases "4th and 18" or "Harline's still open" ring any bells?
The Shamwow Guy | 3:22 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009
Did you BYU fans know that in addition to BYU not winning a Tournament Game in
almost 20 years, that Utah has the 9th most winning basketball program in the
nation.
Ute Fan | 3:31 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009
I'm backing BYU for this game. This conference deserves automatic BCS
consideration and a win against OU will help get us there.
Not There to Bash the U? | 3:36 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009
If that's true, then why do Cougar fans feel the need to trot out the AP
polls from the last 7 centuries to prove their superiority? Looks to me like
there's just as much paranoia and "little brother" syndrome
coming from south of Point of the Mountain as from the north.
Also, Ute fans (and some BYU fans, to be honest - you used the word "disappointing" which isn't too far off...) are touting 10-3 as mediocre because Bronco set you all up with the "Quest for Perfection" BS. (And yes, it DID have an on-the-field meaning as well as off - just go back and listen to the early season quotes from his press conferences.)
Back to the article - it would be great for the MWC if BYU shows well against the Sooners. Good luck in the non-conference games. But once the conference games start, it's Go Utes all the way!
Also, Ute fans (and some BYU fans, to be honest - you used the word "disappointing" which isn't too far off...) are touting 10-3 as mediocre because Bronco set you all up with the "Quest for Perfection" BS. (And yes, it DID have an on-the-field meaning as well as off - just go back and listen to the early season quotes from his press conferences.)
Back to the article - it would be great for the MWC if BYU shows well against the Sooners. Good luck in the non-conference games. But once the conference games start, it's Go Utes all the way!
Stay on Target | 3:45 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009
To shamwow and others:
Since when did an article about a BYU/Oklahoma football game to be played NEXT SEASON become a forum for Utah fans to talk about NCAA basketball tournament records?
Obviously, juvenile minds haven't learned how to focus.
Since when did an article about a BYU/Oklahoma football game to be played NEXT SEASON become a forum for Utah fans to talk about NCAA basketball tournament records?
Obviously, juvenile minds haven't learned how to focus.
Preseason whining | 3:44 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009
2008 - BYU schedules Northern Iowa. Utah fans trash BYU for scheduling weak
patsies.
2009 - BYU schedules possible incumbent national champion Oklahoma. Utah fans trash BYU for scheduling so aggressively.
Look, the MWC is currently in probationary review to become a BCS conference. It's a critical moment to get national attention and respect. If some of you Utes can support BYU's efforts in that regard by rooting for it OOC, thank you. If you can't bear the thought, then at least keep it to yourselves - after all, your team has a stake in this, too.
2009 - BYU schedules possible incumbent national champion Oklahoma. Utah fans trash BYU for scheduling so aggressively.
Look, the MWC is currently in probationary review to become a BCS conference. It's a critical moment to get national attention and respect. If some of you Utes can support BYU's efforts in that regard by rooting for it OOC, thank you. If you can't bear the thought, then at least keep it to yourselves - after all, your team has a stake in this, too.
The Shamwow Guy | 3:54 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009
I will be rooting for BYU to win (for the sake of the MWC), but I don't
think BYU has much of a chance. BYU is only 1-21 when playing ranked teams.
Not a good record.
BYU needs to really focus on the pass rush. It is really the only weakness that Oklahoma has shown all year.
BYU needs to really focus on the pass rush. It is really the only weakness that Oklahoma has shown all year.
Talking Tradition | 3:59 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009
"why do Cougar fans feel the need to trot out the AP polls"
If Utah fans feel the need to question BYU's great football tradition, then BYU fans have every right to present evidence of that tradition.
Go back and read ALL of the posts on this thread.
I congratulate Utah on having two GREAT seasons in the last five years, but two great seasons DO NOT establish a great football tradition.
A great football tradition is established by playing consistently good football year after year for several decades.
And don't come back with "Utah's better overall record against BYU" argument.
All that proves is that, once upon a time, Utah's mediocre program was better than BYU's even more mediocre program.
It still doesn't offer any evidence of Utah's great football tradition.
If Utah fans feel the need to question BYU's great football tradition, then BYU fans have every right to present evidence of that tradition.
Go back and read ALL of the posts on this thread.
I congratulate Utah on having two GREAT seasons in the last five years, but two great seasons DO NOT establish a great football tradition.
A great football tradition is established by playing consistently good football year after year for several decades.
And don't come back with "Utah's better overall record against BYU" argument.
All that proves is that, once upon a time, Utah's mediocre program was better than BYU's even more mediocre program.
It still doesn't offer any evidence of Utah's great football tradition.
Tradition?? | 4:18 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009
You're grabbing on to how many times since 1947 you've been ranked in
the top 25 to demonstrate your tradition? Guess what? Using your same
resource, Utah's finished in the top 10 just as many times as BYU has.
Utah has finished in the top 5 just as many times as BYU has.
BYU has won NINE bowl games. Utah has won 11. Utah's been to TWO major (BCS-level) bowl games. BYU has been to zero. BYU has had ONE undefeated season in their entire history. And it was 25 years ago. Utah has had two in the past five years.
Utah has won 54 games against each other. BYU has won 33.
BYU is 1-21 vs. top 25. ONE win. 21 LOSSES.
Meanwhile, Utah is 17-5 in their past 22 games vs. the top 25.
BYU: The arrogance of Notre Dame. The tradition of Wyoming.
BYU, the MWC needs you to show well vs. Oklahoma. The sad fact is that everybody knows you'll lay an egg. Oklahoma has TCU speed and great coaches. Just keep it within four touchdowns.
I predict, even with senior leadership, BYU begins the year 1-3.
BYU has won NINE bowl games. Utah has won 11. Utah's been to TWO major (BCS-level) bowl games. BYU has been to zero. BYU has had ONE undefeated season in their entire history. And it was 25 years ago. Utah has had two in the past five years.
Utah has won 54 games against each other. BYU has won 33.
BYU is 1-21 vs. top 25. ONE win. 21 LOSSES.
Meanwhile, Utah is 17-5 in their past 22 games vs. the top 25.
BYU: The arrogance of Notre Dame. The tradition of Wyoming.
BYU, the MWC needs you to show well vs. Oklahoma. The sad fact is that everybody knows you'll lay an egg. Oklahoma has TCU speed and great coaches. Just keep it within four touchdowns.
I predict, even with senior leadership, BYU begins the year 1-3.
Disappointed Cougar Fan | 4:24 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009
One thing that is missing from this article is that this is not about football,
it is about money. Unfortunately BYU stoops to the level of the BCS in the
early season instead of the bowl games at the end of the season.
In order to back out of the ASU game, BYU will be sending some of their hard earned blood money to ASU for their scheduling troubles. Money runs sports and especially college programs. BYU is not interested in winning , they are intrested in not having to drain the pockets of the GENERAL AND OTHER BUDGETS set aside to pay for facilites like BYU. BYU pimps themselves out for cash.
Nice to see a big game, but it has absolutely nothing to do with competition or SOS. It is all about money, money, money.
In order to back out of the ASU game, BYU will be sending some of their hard earned blood money to ASU for their scheduling troubles. Money runs sports and especially college programs. BYU is not interested in winning , they are intrested in not having to drain the pockets of the GENERAL AND OTHER BUDGETS set aside to pay for facilites like BYU. BYU pimps themselves out for cash.
Nice to see a big game, but it has absolutely nothing to do with competition or SOS. It is all about money, money, money.
I guess Duke has tradition, also | 4:29 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009
If you were to ask anybody if Duke has a strong football tradition, anybody,
including Blue Devil fans, would say no.
Yet, using these Y fans new criteria of how often they've been in the top 25, Duke is even stronger than BYU.
Live in the now. Utah matters. BYU is nothing more than the answer to a trivia question (Which team went undefeated in 1984 is viewed as responsible for the BCS mess?).
But hey, you've always got the 'Veg'.
Yet, using these Y fans new criteria of how often they've been in the top 25, Duke is even stronger than BYU.
Live in the now. Utah matters. BYU is nothing more than the answer to a trivia question (Which team went undefeated in 1984 is viewed as responsible for the BCS mess?).
But hey, you've always got the 'Veg'.
wow | 5:06 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009
I am actually pretty excited for this game. It will show if BYU can play with
the big boys next year. So lets go cougars next year it will be a fun season.
Old-time relic sports fan | 5:16 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009
Rice-Eccles sold out every game?
I went to the Oregon State game and sat amongst the "MUSS" in the upper south-east corner of the stadium. Empty seats everywhere - you could pretty much pick wherever you wanted to sit. Is the student section recorded as a sell-out every game, even if the students don't bother to show up?
It was a great seat, anyway, perfect view of a lot of middle fingers and within earshot of vile cursing all game long, much of it directed by Utah fans against their own team and coaches. Maybe the long-standing attendance problem at RES is because it's not a very good family atmosphere? Or are football games now R-rated entertainment?
I was a student at the U for two years (69-71)before completing my education at BYU. The atmosphere at games was great, the football and b-ball teams were good, and the rivalries were intense but healthy. Though I'm now a BYU guy through and through, I have fond memories of my U of U years, including athletics.
Sad to see how things are now. A lot of classlessness at LES too, ufortunately.
Remember, it's a game, not life.
I went to the Oregon State game and sat amongst the "MUSS" in the upper south-east corner of the stadium. Empty seats everywhere - you could pretty much pick wherever you wanted to sit. Is the student section recorded as a sell-out every game, even if the students don't bother to show up?
It was a great seat, anyway, perfect view of a lot of middle fingers and within earshot of vile cursing all game long, much of it directed by Utah fans against their own team and coaches. Maybe the long-standing attendance problem at RES is because it's not a very good family atmosphere? Or are football games now R-rated entertainment?
I was a student at the U for two years (69-71)before completing my education at BYU. The atmosphere at games was great, the football and b-ball teams were good, and the rivalries were intense but healthy. Though I'm now a BYU guy through and through, I have fond memories of my U of U years, including athletics.
Sad to see how things are now. A lot of classlessness at LES too, ufortunately.
Remember, it's a game, not life.
re: Disappointed Cougar Fan | 6:24 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009
You mean clueless Cougar Fan.
Sorry to disappoint you, but it was ASU that cancelled their game with BYU because the Sun Devils wanted to dumb down their schedule for next season after just completing a 5-7 season.
Sorry to disappoint you, but it was ASU that cancelled their game with BYU because the Sun Devils wanted to dumb down their schedule for next season after just completing a 5-7 season.
Anonymous | 6:28 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009
BYU stories continue to be most popular in Des News sports section
TC | 6:33 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009
BYU is 1-25 against top 25 teams? hmmm... that's surprising, but probably
true. I guess that it's pretty rare for Utah to be ranked in the top 25
since we seem to beat them pretty regularly. I guess that goes to show how weak
the MWC can be since BYU is regularly at the top of the conference, finds itself
regularly ranked in the top 25, and is the most respected team in the
conference.
I don't know what Utah's record is against top 25 teams, but I'd bet that a handful of those top 25 wins they count are against a BYU team ranked in the top 25. Utes don't tell us how good you are by beating a BYU team that is in the top 25 and then turn around and say how bad BYU is... you can't have it both ways.
If Utah and the other MWC teams would be good on a regular basis, then the MWC might have a chance at getting an automatic bid to the BCS. If the MWC had 3 teams with 10 or more wins year after year, then we would get more respect... but the Utes don't do their part.
I don't know what Utah's record is against top 25 teams, but I'd bet that a handful of those top 25 wins they count are against a BYU team ranked in the top 25. Utes don't tell us how good you are by beating a BYU team that is in the top 25 and then turn around and say how bad BYU is... you can't have it both ways.
If Utah and the other MWC teams would be good on a regular basis, then the MWC might have a chance at getting an automatic bid to the BCS. If the MWC had 3 teams with 10 or more wins year after year, then we would get more respect... but the Utes don't do their part.
To Anon 6:28 | 6:58 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009
And precisely what does that prove?
To: TC | 7:14 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009
Actually it's 1-21, but you were close.
As for your next point: "...since we seem to beat them pretty regularly..." I'll give you partial credit, since "regularly" can be a relative term. Over the last 10 years, it's Utah 6 - BYU 4, with Utah having won 5 of the last 7. If you go back 20 years, it's split an even 10 wins each. Both schools have had a 4-year win streak during that timeframe (BYU: 89-92; Utah: 02-05). It's a very close rivalry - many of these games were decided by a touchdown or less. However, the pendulum has clearly swung in Utah's favor lately after BYU's dominance in the 70's and 80's.
I'm looking for Utah's record against ranked teams - but I thought someone else had already commented on that. If I find it, I'll be back.
As for your next point: "...since we seem to beat them pretty regularly..." I'll give you partial credit, since "regularly" can be a relative term. Over the last 10 years, it's Utah 6 - BYU 4, with Utah having won 5 of the last 7. If you go back 20 years, it's split an even 10 wins each. Both schools have had a 4-year win streak during that timeframe (BYU: 89-92; Utah: 02-05). It's a very close rivalry - many of these games were decided by a touchdown or less. However, the pendulum has clearly swung in Utah's favor lately after BYU's dominance in the 70's and 80's.
I'm looking for Utah's record against ranked teams - but I thought someone else had already commented on that. If I find it, I'll be back.
re: Duke has tradition, also | 7:15 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009
"Yet, using these Y fans "new"??? criteria of how often
they've been in the top 25, Duke is even stronger than BYU."
You could make that argument, but it would be misleading.
Duke, like Army, USED TO have a strong football tradition, but it faded long ago.
BYU has a strong current football tradition.
Utah has never had a strong football tradition, but is starting to establish one.
Any reasonable fan doing a quick analysis would have come to that conclusion, BUT, that is apparently beyond the skill set of some 12-year-old Utah fans who think the world began in 1996.
You could make that argument, but it would be misleading.
Duke, like Army, USED TO have a strong football tradition, but it faded long ago.
BYU has a strong current football tradition.
Utah has never had a strong football tradition, but is starting to establish one.
Any reasonable fan doing a quick analysis would have come to that conclusion, BUT, that is apparently beyond the skill set of some 12-year-old Utah fans who think the world began in 1996.
AP Football Poll Summary | 7:17 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009
1939 to 2008
Army (last ranked 12 years ago, ranked 2 times in the last 40 years, 5%)
Ranked in 14% of 986 polls
Ranked in 22 out of 73 seasons (30%)
Seasons Ranked
1936 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1962 1985 1996
Duke (last ranked 14 years ago, ranked 3 times in the last 40 years, 8%)
Ranked in 16% of 986 polls
Ranked in 27 out of 73 seasons (37%)
Seasons Ranked
1936 1937 1938 1939 1940 1941 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1960 1961 1962 1971 1989 1994
Army (last ranked 12 years ago, ranked 2 times in the last 40 years, 5%)
Ranked in 14% of 986 polls
Ranked in 22 out of 73 seasons (30%)
Seasons Ranked
1936 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1962 1985 1996
Duke (last ranked 14 years ago, ranked 3 times in the last 40 years, 8%)
Ranked in 16% of 986 polls
Ranked in 27 out of 73 seasons (37%)
Seasons Ranked
1936 1937 1938 1939 1940 1941 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1960 1961 1962 1971 1989 1994
AP Summary continued | 7:18 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009
1939 to 2008
BYU (last ranked this season, ranked 23 times in the last 40 years, 58%)
Ranked in 22% of 986 polls
Ranked in 23 out of 73 seasons (32%)
Seasons Ranked
1974 1977 1979 1980 1981 1983 1984 1985 1986 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1996 1997 1999 2001 2006 2007 2008
Utah (last ranked this season, ranked 5 times in the last 40 years, 13%)
Ranked in 5% of 986 polls
Ranked in 6 out of 73 seasons (8%)
Seasons Ranked
1947 1994 1996 2003 2004 2008
BYU (last ranked this season, ranked 23 times in the last 40 years, 58%)
Ranked in 22% of 986 polls
Ranked in 23 out of 73 seasons (32%)
Seasons Ranked
1974 1977 1979 1980 1981 1983 1984 1985 1986 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1996 1997 1999 2001 2006 2007 2008
Utah (last ranked this season, ranked 5 times in the last 40 years, 13%)
Ranked in 5% of 986 polls
Ranked in 6 out of 73 seasons (8%)
Seasons Ranked
1947 1994 1996 2003 2004 2008
Both wrong | 7:27 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009
try doing a little more research, BYU's record against ranked teams is FAR
better than 1-21...
1939 to 2008 AP Poll | 7:36 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009
BYU (last ranked this season, ranked 23 times in the last 40 years, 58%)
Ranked in 22% of 986 polls
Ranked in 23 out of 73 seasons (32%)
Seasons Ranked
1974 1977 1979 1980 1981 1983 1984 1985 1986 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1996 1997 1999 2001 2006 2007 2008
Utah (last ranked this season, ranked 5 times in the last 40 years, 13%)
Ranked in 5% of 986 polls
Ranked in 6 out of 73 seasons (8%)
Seasons Ranked
1947 1994 1996 2003 2004 2008
Ranked in 22% of 986 polls
Ranked in 23 out of 73 seasons (32%)
Seasons Ranked
1974 1977 1979 1980 1981 1983 1984 1985 1986 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1996 1997 1999 2001 2006 2007 2008
Utah (last ranked this season, ranked 5 times in the last 40 years, 13%)
Ranked in 5% of 986 polls
Ranked in 6 out of 73 seasons (8%)
Seasons Ranked
1947 1994 1996 2003 2004 2008
Both wrong? | 7:46 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009
So tell us, oh great one - what is it then?
matt | 8:10 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009
Rant: Why do utes always think BYU is "crowning themselves national
champions" because they think their team will win? Isn't that what
fans do? Think their team will win?
Besides, I haven't seen any BYU fans claiming any kind of championship.
Newsflash: it's ok to be hopeful/optimistic about your teams chances next year.
Get a life!
Besides, I haven't seen any BYU fans claiming any kind of championship.
Newsflash: it's ok to be hopeful/optimistic about your teams chances next year.
Get a life!
one that counts | 8:38 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009
Even if we lose to ou we will have the pleasure of drilling the undefeated but
once again not good enough to be number 1 utes next year.
Old Standing Ute | 8:58 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009
I am trying to root for BYU in out of conference games. But it is hard--because
they never win. Please show up next year.
Thanks Utes! | 10:16 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009
You just won one of the biggest games in your school history. BYU fans flooded
the comment postings with sincere congratulations for a superb game. I was one
of them.
I'm reading through these posts and all the Utes can do is bash BYU about their upcoming 2009 schedule and how much better they are than BYU, etc. etc.
Thanks for your support when we have exciting news. I'm not saying we will win but it is a big deal to play in the Dallas Cowboys new stadium!
Can't we all just get along???!!!
I'm reading through these posts and all the Utes can do is bash BYU about their upcoming 2009 schedule and how much better they are than BYU, etc. etc.
Thanks for your support when we have exciting news. I'm not saying we will win but it is a big deal to play in the Dallas Cowboys new stadium!
Can't we all just get along???!!!
Big Rock | 10:32 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009
The Quest will be over quickly next year
time to lose | 10:43 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009
Sorry kitties buy you'll be playing a ranked team. We all know how much you
like to hang on to and claim tradition. Tradition= 1-21 against ranked teams.
The tradition will continue. 1-22. Either way here's a Ute fan honestly
saying best of luck and make us proud.
The Quest... | 11:02 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009
next season will be for BYU fans to find a real Utah fan who is mature enough to
discuss BYU and Utah football without sticking out his tongue like a bratty
12-year-old little brother anytime someone disagrees with him.
stephen | 11:11 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009
for the love of mike, why in the world do we think it's worth scheduling
Utah State? Come on. You want legitimacy, don't schedule patsies like
Utah State. And Oklahoma. I sure hope Bronco and team begin preparing after
tomorrow night's game. Okalhoma will shellack BYU by 70 points. The Big
Blue is just that Big AND slow and have a porous secondary which will be picked
on this season. OK will move in the right direction, BYU will NOT. Sorry, but
the Utes would have a much better time with OK then BYU. BYU needs speed, speed
and speed... not to mention a few AA players.
Just look | 11:21 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009
at how many Y fans there are on this thread trying to claim that they have a
superior football tradition to Utah. HOW????
1-21 against ranked teams vs. 17-5 (in the past 22).
9 bowl wins in their history (never winning 3 in a row) vs. 11 bowl wins and eight in a row.
Best bowl win ever was the hardly known Holiday Bowl. Utah has the Fiesta Bowl and Sugar Bowl.
1 undefeated season in their entire history - 25 years ago VS 2 undefeated seasons in the past five years.
BYU fans actually think that they have a rich football history, and it's laughable. Utah has just as many top five finishes and just as many top 10 finishes. Utah leads the series against BYU by 21 games. That's right. The Y has no chance to even tie the series in the next 30 years without a total melt down by the Utes.
But seriously speaking, every team in the conference does better against top 25 teams than BYU does. I hope they can change that against OK. But I have a better chance of getting struck by lightning.
1-21 against ranked teams vs. 17-5 (in the past 22).
9 bowl wins in their history (never winning 3 in a row) vs. 11 bowl wins and eight in a row.
Best bowl win ever was the hardly known Holiday Bowl. Utah has the Fiesta Bowl and Sugar Bowl.
1 undefeated season in their entire history - 25 years ago VS 2 undefeated seasons in the past five years.
BYU fans actually think that they have a rich football history, and it's laughable. Utah has just as many top five finishes and just as many top 10 finishes. Utah leads the series against BYU by 21 games. That's right. The Y has no chance to even tie the series in the next 30 years without a total melt down by the Utes.
But seriously speaking, every team in the conference does better against top 25 teams than BYU does. I hope they can change that against OK. But I have a better chance of getting struck by lightning.
To the Y fans | 11:25 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009
who say that Utah is much less mature because they comment on BYU stories.
PLEASE go take a look at any article about Utah football and count how many Y fans come on talking trash.
The biggest problem with Y fans is that they love to cast stones. They actually think they live in a glass house - and as obvious as it is, they don't even pick up on it.
PLEASE go take a look at any article about Utah football and count how many Y fans come on talking trash.
The biggest problem with Y fans is that they love to cast stones. They actually think they live in a glass house - and as obvious as it is, they don't even pick up on it.
Training idea for Max.. | 11:31 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009
Since Max seems to have the most difficulty when he is being pressured behind
the line...
I think we should bring the current NFL players who are BYU alumni to a 2-week long training session with Max in the Spring. Put these (fast and intense) players on the defensive line (against our pending offensive line) with the simple instructions: "Get to Max!" After 2 weeks of fighting for his life, he will either be humbled, ready for OU & FSU, or... maybe even both! No one could argue that it wouldn't be effective training!
(YES... it will require some thinking "outside the box" to go 3-0 next season.)
I think we should bring the current NFL players who are BYU alumni to a 2-week long training session with Max in the Spring. Put these (fast and intense) players on the defensive line (against our pending offensive line) with the simple instructions: "Get to Max!" After 2 weeks of fighting for his life, he will either be humbled, ready for OU & FSU, or... maybe even both! No one could argue that it wouldn't be effective training!
(YES... it will require some thinking "outside the box" to go 3-0 next season.)
For Cougar Fans... | 1:27 a.m. Jan. 8, 2009
For allBYU fans these times are real tough,
With slander from Utah well we�ve had enough.
Not of the comments they�re frankly quite dumb,
The losses and losses have made us all numb.
We win lots of games against bad teams galore,
We�re perennial bullies of shoddy and poor.
But once we set up against someone worth beating,
Our team falls apart and the victory�s fleeting.
They don�t just roll over blown out of the water,
They make the game close before choosing to falter.
It�s a cycle repeated through games in our day,
From Boston to Texas toUCLA.
From BoiseState Broncos we lost by a field goal,
To Cats down in Tucson our offense was awful.
From B-ball when losing toUNLV,
To Wake here in Provo. Where was the three?
Regardless of difference there�s one common thread,
It�s easy to see but it�s far worse to dread.
In clutch situations when games are real close,
The cougars will choke and their season is toast.
Raised as a cougar I�m stuck in a pickle,
Investing in sports so incredibly fickle.
I�ve seen heartbreaks galore since I first could throw balls,
But hey it�s the ref�s fault,they made the calls.
With slander from Utah well we�ve had enough.
Not of the comments they�re frankly quite dumb,
The losses and losses have made us all numb.
We win lots of games against bad teams galore,
We�re perennial bullies of shoddy and poor.
But once we set up against someone worth beating,
Our team falls apart and the victory�s fleeting.
They don�t just roll over blown out of the water,
They make the game close before choosing to falter.
It�s a cycle repeated through games in our day,
From Boston to Texas toUCLA.
From BoiseState Broncos we lost by a field goal,
To Cats down in Tucson our offense was awful.
From B-ball when losing toUNLV,
To Wake here in Provo. Where was the three?
Regardless of difference there�s one common thread,
It�s easy to see but it�s far worse to dread.
In clutch situations when games are real close,
The cougars will choke and their season is toast.
Raised as a cougar I�m stuck in a pickle,
Investing in sports so incredibly fickle.
I�ve seen heartbreaks galore since I first could throw balls,
But hey it�s the ref�s fault,they made the calls.
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The Univ of OK is a 3 hour drive from Dallas compared with 19 hours from Provo.
If the cougs go in thinking that half of the crowd will be rooting for them, they will be sorely mistaken.
Also, there is no school that wants to embarrass a MWC team more than Oklahoma. They are the only state in the nation that does not think Utah should be number one.
We can win this game! But we need to retain Collie and work on speed and execution of defensive schemes and WATCH FILM.
Go COUGS! Do your school and the MWC proud!! Don't embarass us!