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Some BYU fans at crossroads after 3-loss season

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RE: Rick | 11:49 p.m. Jan. 13, 2009
Rick | 11:19 p.m. Jan. 13, 2009
I'm sorry Ute fans, but why was it that you turned down the offer to play in the new Dallas Cowboy Stadium next year against a highly rated opponent? Being the nation's newest rage and most respected team and so on and on and on and on------

Because we don't want our ugly sister to the south to get depressed and try to get in on our spotlight so we decided to giver her the opportunity to shine on her own.
Utes lucky? | 11:49 p.m. Jan. 13, 2009
Perhaps the Utes were lucky this year.

The tough thing for Cougars to accept is their belief that lucky breaks and "magic" are their entitlement.
Comedy of Errors = BYU Athletics | 12:01 a.m. Jan. 14, 2009
Comedy of Errors:
"and as far as I currently know, most teams in the MWC desire to knock of BYU, and get up for that game more than any other."

Yes I can see why they would want to get up for the BYU program that in good years goes to the Vegas Bowl (and mostly loses) compare to the one that goes to the BCS and mostly wins.

A Ute program that has been ranked #4 and #2 in the last five years with 10-2, 12-0, and 13-0 seasons and beats the nations best teams to a BYU program that is 1-25 against the nations best teams.

Yes you are right!! BYU is superior just like Boise State and Ball State. I think there is a conspiracy that is preventing BYU from achieving its Quest for Perfection and a national title.
Comments continue below
Hey LA | 12:01 a.m. Jan. 14, 2009
First, sign Manti and find a defense. Second, beat OK. Third, beat FSU. Fourth, beat Utah (which you've only done 40% of the time in the last 15 years). Fifth, go undefeated the rest of the way. Sixth, get invited to the BCS championship game. And seventh, win it.

After you've done all that, then let's consider your dilusional little question.

In the meantime, I'd rather be a Ute.
Zoobs Just Envy the Utes | 12:18 a.m. Jan. 14, 2009
Had to correct/add to an earlier post just to prove the point that...

"Plus BYUs defense was exposed, they stunk all year here's the proof:

2. Allowed 35 points at home against the powerful 5-7 UNLV" offence, the most points scored by UNLV all year.


Now do you Zoobs still believe BYU underperformed or the fact that against better teams BYUs weak defense just got exposed.
RE: LA | 12:32 a.m. Jan. 14, 2009
"BYU would have to go undefeated in 09 for this to happen, but they do have a schedule with Oklahoma and Florida State... If they won the National Chapionship in 09, who would you rather be, Utah with 2 BCS wins or BYU with 2 National Championships ?"

Yes Quest for Perfection 09 could happen... just like IF an asteroid hit earth and God saved BYU leaving it the only program on earth.

Zoob your defense stinks how is a defense that could NOT stop Washington, UNLV, CSU, TCU, Utah, Arizona from scoring at will going to all of a sudden beat OK and FL on the road?

You must have some EXCEPTIONAL NFL caliber recruits coming into BYU next year that will step right in and stop OK in the first game.

3 wishes | 12:58 a.m. Jan. 14, 2009
If I had three wishes... the first would be that BYU stopped having sports (it brings our the worst in the members of the chruch) The second, would be that BYU and Utah were in different conferences and never played each other, and the third would be that Byu would quit doing that stupid haka!
UTES4EVER | 1:34 a.m. Jan. 14, 2009
I AM SO SICK OF LISTENING TO BOTH SIDES OF THIS RIVALRY TALK CRAP. YOU KNOW WHEN A FAN ON ONE SIDE OR THE OTHER STARTS SAYING HOW WONDERFUL THEIR TEAM IS AND HOW HORRIBLE THE OTHER SIDE IS THAT THEY ARE CLUELESS. THEIR IGNORANCE IS OBVIOUS. THIS RIVALRY HAS GONE BACK AND FORTH FOR YEARS NOW AND WILL PROBABLY CONTINUE TO DO SO. IT'S NICE TO HEAR FROM THE FANS THAT MAKE LEVELHEADED LOGICAL OBSERVATIONS INSTEAD OF THE RANTING AND RAVING WE SEE SO MUCH OF. I AM A UTAH FAN AND I DONT LIKE BYU BUT IT DOESNT MEAN I CANT RESPECT THEM. I GUESS THAT IS JUST THE NATURE OF A RIVALRY BUT MAN IT SURE GETS OLD LISTENING TO THE GARBAGE SOME OF THESE PEOPLE SPIT OUT.
Hey, UTES4EVER | 7:32 a.m. Jan. 14, 2009
what? speakup, i can't hear you.
Re: Reality | 7:43 a.m. Jan. 14, 2009
"Reality | 7:20 a.m. Jan. 13, 2009
The fact is byu was a football power from 1979 to 1984. In 96 they were very good again.
Besides that run, byu is average at best."

You seemed to miss that between your dates listed there were 11 other years where conference championships were won. And other than the real bad years under Crowton they were 2nd or 3rd all but one year when they did not win the championship.

It is also much easier to win bowl games when you are traditionally the 3rd, 4th or 5th bowl representative from your conference (i.e. this usually means weaker opponent). Going to a bowl game is a symbol of a good year. Going to a bowl game as a conference champion is the sign of a really good year. So they have a record of 9-17-1 in bowl games. Utah has a bowl record of 11-4, never once being picked as the top team for the conferences' bowl committment. Facing weaker competition in most of their games. BYU has been to almost twice as many bowl games against tougher competition with a few exceptions (and No Pitt wasn't considered tougher).
Re: Re: Reality | 9:51 a.m. Jan. 14, 2009
You are even worse than the guy you are calling out. In recent history Utah has faced much stiffer competition in bowl games than BYU and that weak Pitt team was top 20 and a much better team than the Michigan team BYU beat for their mythical Championship. Alabama this year is by far the best team either team has ever faced in a bowl game.

In the last 15 years, the only years that BYU played a better team in their bowl game was in 2001 and 1996.

Oh and by the way over the last 15 years Utah holds an edge of 9-6 in head to head meetings with BYU.
steve n. | 11:46 a.m. Jan. 14, 2009
Utah is for real. I'm a die-hard BYU fan and I say
to the nuckleheads...GET OVER IT!
Re: FinalWordUte | 12:06 p.m. Jan. 14, 2009
"since 2000...Utah...with 8 straight bowl wins"

Ute fans always willing to stretch/telling their version of the truth. Utah went to bowl games in 01, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08. That would only be 7 times since 2000. So you have won 8 in a row that you have gone to but you have not actually gone to 8 in a row.

BYU had a streak of 17 years in a row going to a bowl game (1978-1994). 13 of those were as the conference champ with the highest/hardest bowl opponent for the conference in those years.

Utah has only gone to 16 in their entire history with the earliest being 1939 (5 opponents in top 25).

BYU has gone to 27 in their history with the earliest being 1974 (16 opponents in top 25).

Other than 04 & 08 Utah's opponent in bowl games was often lower ranked than that of BYU's.
RE: Hey CBT | 12:25 p.m. Jan. 14, 2009
"Utah has done more to demonstrate the flaws of the BCS cartel than any other non-BCS team."

Really??

Did the Bowl Coalition/Bowl Alliance/BCS change their rules because of something Utah did? The short answer is NO.

BYU 1996 & 2001 forced the cartel to make changes in their bid/auto-bid process for outsiders which benefitted Utah and allowed them to earn auto-bids in 04/08. There originally were not auto-bids in the process and BYU 1996 pushed them to start taking teams ranked in the top 6 and BYU 2001 pushed it out to the top 12 for auto-bids and top 16 if they are ranked higher than a conference auto qualifier.

BYU says you are welcome UofU.
Ute slogan for 2009..... | 9:42 | 12:29 p.m. Jan. 14, 2009
Ute slogan for 2009..... | 9:42 p.m. Jan. 13, 2009
... Living the quest since 2004 ...

Err, Well, except for 2005...and umm 2006...and darn it 2007...gee we seem to lack consistency

:-)
THE ARTICLE | 12:36 p.m. Jan. 14, 2009
Hit the nail on the head. There is great tradition at BYU, there is not at Utah. It's true BYU has to learn to play on the big stage, but foundationally, BYU has got things right. Undefeated at home, 2 undefeated conference championships the past 3 years, and two bowl victories in the past 3 years. So a consistent program like that can only roll with tons of momentum. Utah on the other hand has had two great years their WHOLE FOOTBALL TEAM HISTORY, PERIOD. '04 and '08. Every other year they are competing with the bottom dwellers of the rest of the conference. Utah also looses dumb little insignificant teams during regular season. True BYU has lost, but to good teams. Even big teams like USC will have little Stanford, Oregon St. losses. BYU has lost to better teams, that's logical. Utah losses to big AND little teams most years, but at least BYU wins the games that they are supposed to win.
Zoob = a hate-filled stereotype | 12:40 p.m. Jan. 14, 2009
I like Utah for its great schools and great sports, but it's hard to respect Ute fans based off of the majority of Ute comments after every BYU-related article. I do not pretend to defend all BYU fans, either. Props to those posting who keep a proper perspective.

Creating or perpetuating stereotypes of others is ignorant. Both fan bases should not extend this rivalry beyond the game, just to demean a way of life or to mock a standard. That is just in poor taste. Stereotypes usually form from perceived slights.

I was first introduced to this rivalry thinking that it was just an interstate, close proximity, struggle for the same recruits, type of battle. Having a worthy opponent that really got up for the game against my team, to prove themselves against a respected opponent was a rivalry I liked. For the most part, I think that is how this plays out on the field.

What I didn't expect is a poor opinion of Utah fans starting to form, based solely on the blind hate they aim at me, and the off-base stereotypes of my way of life. Just perceived? Not according to most the Ute comments.
Ute fans ! | 2:14 p.m. Jan. 14, 2009
Utah is a very good university with a football team that has made the BIG time... too bad many of the fans are still low budget losers...that fact will never change. Also, how many does Rice Stadium seat???
Move On | 4:21 p.m. Jan. 14, 2009
BYU and Utah fans, time to move on and stop living in the past. There are more important things in life than football, anyway. Why are we all dwelling in the glories and mistakes of the past? One possible answer: WE HAVE NO LIFE.

Time to get one. Let's move forward, shall we? May BYU and Utah BOTH be undefeated and ranked in the Top Ten when they meet next November! Tall order for BOTH teams next year, yes--but nothing wrong with shooting for the stars.
Anonymous | 5:43 p.m. Jan. 14, 2009
Utah isn't going away. If they can make it to the BCS and win both times we will be seeing them in the same spot again. It may take another 4 years but it will be worth the wait.
Ute slogan for 2009..... | 7:32 p.m. Jan. 14, 2009
Err, Well, except for 2005...and umm 2006...and darn it 2007...gee we seem to lack consistency

:-)

Just how many times has BYU lived Bronco's quest for perfection? Oh, right. That would be none.

;-]
Rebalance | 10:45 p.m. Jan. 14, 2009
My financial advisor suggested I rebalance my retirement accounts because of the state of the economy. I'll also apply his advice to my football priorities. I have traditionally been a BYU fan. But since Bronco put Football as the 5th priority, I will put BYU as my 5th priority. So here is how I have rebalanced in college football.
1. Utah
2. TCU [the MWC needs 2 strong teams]
3. USC [who doesn't love Pete]
4. Washington [go Steve S]
5. BYU [There is still a place in my heart]

To that guy... | 11:32 p.m. Jan. 14, 2009
Who said BYU had 1996 as their only good year after 1984. Typical Ute fans ignoring the facts. 1990-91 BYU beat #1 Miami. That is a bigger win than Utah over #4 Alabama. Why? It lead to a Heisman trophy and it was against a loaded defending national champion with a heisman candidate at qb ranked #1. Oh and in 1994 a top 10 finish with a 25 point win over Oklahoma in a bowl game. Never mind the nearly dozen conference titles, and 7 or 8 top 25 finishes in that time. This century you can argue legitimatly that Utah has caught BYU, but the fact remains that Utah has won only ONE big game against a truly good opponent. 8 straight bowl wins when you go as the 3rd or 4th place team to the Alamo bowl means little. BYU's bowl record is worse because they have had more difficult bowl opponents.
Harmon? Good lord | 1:16 a.m. Jan. 15, 2009
Way to sour grapes an article there Harmon.
RE: To that guy... | 2:52 a.m. Jan. 15, 2009
"BYU's bowl record is worse because they have had more difficult bowl opponents."

Exactly the point, beat up on weak conference teams and then lose to the big boys... sounds like Boise State 2004 and 2008.

Utah on the other hand in this year alone beat 4 ranked teams 2 in top-10... when was the last time BYU accomplished that task in a single season? I don't think they have done that in he last 20 years combined.

"Oh and in 1994 a top 10 finish with a 25 point win over Oklahoma"

OK was 6-6 in 1994 and Utah that year finished AP #10 Coaches #8, BYU finished #17 #10... so technically they did not finish top-10 Utah did.

"1990-91 BYU beat #1 Miami. That is a bigger win than Utah over #4 Alabama. Why? It lead to a Heisman trophy"

In your wet dreams... Miami was preseason #1 when BYU beat them at HOME in the first game of the season... Bama was ranked #1 for 5 weeks and Utah beat them on the ROAD in the Sugar Bowl. BUT Congrats on the Heisman.
RE: Rebalance | 7:16 a.m. Jan. 15, 2009
And your point would be? ...
Hey, To that guy...... | 7:36 a.m. Jan. 15, 2009
"This century you can argue legitimately that Utah has caught BYU"

In fact, BYU has a losing record against Utah in the last 5, 10, and 15 years. The only arguement of superiority exists in the dilusional minds of Cougars. The reality is that scoreboard says Utah is better than BYU.
Ballerina Boy | 10:15 a.m. Jan. 15, 2009
Most of my life I've been practically addicted to BYU football and basketball. However, most of the "Yewt-Cewg" posts make me wish I were more interested in ballet. Big brother/Little brother; TDS; BYU will never play in a BCS game/ The Utes will never win a national championship; 84 was best/2004&2008 was best; BYU fans are fair weather/Utah fans are fair weather; RES is louder than LES/LES is louder than RES; BYU fans are self-righteous goodie goodies and are the most obnoxious fans/The Utes are a bunch of immoral drunks and are the most obnoxious fans. It's almost enough to make one give up sports and embrace a pink tutu. (I suppose red or blue would work)
RE Attendance | 10:21 a.m. Jan. 15, 2009
I've got a great reason the Utes couldn't sell their alloted tickets: how about a RECESSION and TRAVELLING 2500 for a bowl game where the cheapest ticket as $150? Get a clue buddy, when you have to travel more than 3 hours in a mini-van!
Where's the Beef | 10:46 a.m. Jan. 15, 2009
I'll say it again -

1-21 and 9-16-1. BYU HAS to beat the really good teams they go up against or their record will always be in question. Who has BYU beaten that, in hindsight, truly was an excellent team. Not Washington or UCLA who ended up very poor or mediocre teams. Looking back there is Miami, Kansas State... who else has BYU beaten that genuinely turned out to be an excellent team?
True Blue Athletic Supporter | 10:35 p.m. Jan. 15, 2009
I am behind Bronco, come rain or shine.

BTW, Utah is a red state when it comes to politics and a blue state when it comes to sports. :)
RE: THE ARTICLE | 1:31 a.m. Jan. 16, 2009
"BYU has got things right. Undefeated at home, 2 undefeated conference championships the past 3 years, and two bowl victories in the past 3 years. So a consistent program like that can only roll with tons of momentum."

Really!??! So using your logic if Ball State goes 11-2 for next two seasons against WEAK appointments but gets beat down by ranked teams this will make them a better program headed in the right direction?

If Utah accomplished what BYU has in the last 3 years I would say they were headed in the WRONG direction.

But again at Utah now we have higher expectations for our program then just beating weak teams and making the annual Vegas Bowl.

They should just name it the annual Vegas Zoobie Bowl and give Utah/Boise State an automatic BCS bids.
PACoug | 2:49 p.m. Jan. 16, 2009
Why do the BYU fans here congratulate the Utes? Ute fans keep calling them whiny babies, and all they can think to do is congratulate them in return?

I thought there'd be some whining. But it doesn't look like it when you read this thread.

I was jumping for joy when the Utes went up 21-0. I'm as stoked as any true MWC believer should be at the outcome of this game, what it says about the Utes, about the MWC, about Kyle Whittingham. STATEMENT GAME.

Keep it up, Utes. Raise your game. Bronco will continue his effort to raise the Cougars' game too. The results should be worth watching. They certainly have been over the past few seasons.

But Ute fans, please try to display just a tiny bit of class. Your team and its coach are loaded with it. You need to follow their example. Your rudeness is unbecoming such an otherwise great football story.

Please learn to act as though you've been there before! Since you really have, I can't figure out why maturity is such a problem for you.

Shrug off the meanspiritedness and grow up like your idols the Utes have.
Re: PACoug... | 8:31 p.m. Jan. 16, 2009
Hey PAC....

Thanks for the demonstration of classiness.

You've clearly demonstated that it is impossibe for one to point to the classlessness of others without exposing their own lack thereof.

13-0

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