Deseret News | Reader comments: U. owes Y. a thank you

Reader comments
Readers' forum: U. owes Y. a thank you

Brandon | 12:27 a.m. Jan. 8, 2009

Really? You are serious about this? Bwahahahahahahahaha!!!!

Typical Y fan | 12:46 a.m. Jan. 8, 2009

First of all, BYU did not go 14-0. Ever. They've had ONE undefeated season in their entire history - that was 25 years ago. And BYU went 12-2 in 2001 - getting destroyed by a bad Hawaii team and humiliated in their bowl game against Louisville.
Second of all, how does BYU's 13-1 season in 1996 have any impact whatsoever on Utah's successful season this year????
Third, Are you really going to call out Utah players for not respecting their opponent? Really? Did you pay attention to this past season at all? Did you not see the audacity of BYU's coaching staff and athletic department to create a motto 'Quest for Perfection'? Did you not hear countless interviews from Austin Collie and his boys NEVER give respect to their opponents? Even after they got killed by Utah, they said that 'Utah didn't beat them. They lost it themselves.'

Watch how Utah respected Alabama before and after the game and make sure Bronco is taking notes. That's a guy who still doesn't know how to be gracious.

By the way - if BYU ever wins an NCAA game again (last one: 1992), they can thank Utah. Or something. ??

bdschmidt | 12:51 a.m. Jan. 8, 2009

What? The BCS rules weren't relaxed in 2004. In 2004 a non-automatic qualifier had to be #6 in the BCS standings to gain a BCS birth. A feat none of the BCS folks thought possible. Utah did it anyway. The looser rules didn't apply until 2005 when Boise made to the BCS party. So no, Utah doesn't need to thank anyone (with the possible exception of Wisconsin.) Moreover, this season, Utah once again finished the regular season ranked #6 in the BCS. Under the old rules Utah would have automatically qualified. Therefore,even without the "relaxed" BCS rules Utah would have played in a BCS game.

For the record, BYU's 1996 schedule was 14-1 not 14-0 (a great team with a great Cotton Bowl win but not an undefeated team.) The 2001 record was 12-2 not 12-1, just for clarification.

Comments continue below

Ry | 12:51 a.m. Jan. 8, 2009

BYU was 14-1 in 1996 & 12-2 in 2001.

That 2001 team almost ruined | 1:14 a.m. Jan. 8, 2009

it for every non-BCS team. The Y fans were throwing tortillas on the field after nearly every win. The AD was proposing filing a lawsuit for not being allowed into a BCS bowl game. And what does BYU do? They get beat 72-45 to a bad Hawaii team and then get killed in their bowl game vs. Louisville.

It's a wonder that Utah was even given a shot in 2004 - but that's only because they killed every opponent and crept into the #6 spot. The BCS had no choice.

So, Utah owes NOBODY anything except for themselves. In fact, in 2004 and 2008, Utah shouldn't 'thank' BYU for the tough competition. Both of those games were BLOW-OUTS.

But, as a Utah fan, I will thank you. For the laughs and for the support you give to continue the stereotype of the typical BYU fan, thinking that everything revolves around your world in Utah County.

@ Lauren | 1:43 a.m. Jan. 8, 2009

I read many posts where UT fans wished BYU well in the Vegas Bowl. Take your blue goggles off.

Lauren, get your facts straight | 5:10 a.m. Jan. 8, 2009

With the critical errors in your facts you lost any credibility. Sorry babe

JMT | 5:36 a.m. Jan. 8, 2009

In any case, I'm a cougar to the bone and was quite happy about Utah beating Alabama.

There is a bit of irony in this. I have read for a couple years now how some Ute fans have beat up on BYU for winning the 1984 National Championship as though we didn't really deserve it. The Utes find themselves in an almost identical situation. They have a perfect season, great bowl win and now have to beg, borrow and steal and then...maybe!

I strongly support the Utes claim to a National Chamionship, just as I did BYU's back in 1984. We have to wait until this evening is over to see. No matter who wins the Utes are going to have to make aa '6 degrees of Kevin Bacon' argument.

In any case, congrats to the Utes. And hopefully this will once and for all settle the 1984 question. Let me add, BYU beat a #2 ranked Pitt team that year. It was every bit as solid as the 2004 or 2008 Utes.

Not One | 6:21 a.m. Jan. 8, 2009

I was once told that whenever I saw the phrases "always" or "never" on a particular test - the answer would be NO. Ms. Pain overstates her case by using the "not one" phrase. Obviously her overstatements extend to BYU's actual records during the referenced years.
The Utes have not fallen into the USC and Texas mode of saying that "no one can beat us", which in the case of those two schools. ONLY the Utes can say that "no one beat us in 2008/09". The Utes stand alone and have done it with as much class as athletic teams can.

Eric | 7:07 a.m. Jan. 8, 2009

All I heard from BYU fans this year was "I hope Utah doesn't embarress the conference when they play Alabama." And then they go and "loose" to a crappy Arizona team in the Las Vegas Bowl. Way to help the conference out. Thanks

Ernest T. Bass | 7:35 a.m. Jan. 8, 2009

The only thing we need to thank them for is being our little brother who always was and always will be our little brother.
Thanks for the congrats, but really, take a look at the histories of both programs. Utah is simply better so no thanks is needed.

Anonymous | 7:45 a.m. Jan. 8, 2009

If Utah (the good team) had started out ranked where byu (the over hyped team) did, then they might actually be in the championship game. I guess we should thank byu for that (sarcasm). And thanks for looking like a high school team in the Vegas bowl.

Hypocrisy | 7:52 a.m. Jan. 8, 2009

Lauren, you're wrong, in nearly every aspect.

First of all, BYU wasn't undefeated.
Secondly, the current BCS system was not created or altered because of BYU's seasons.
Thirdly, BYU gave absolutely not credit to their opponents. The loss to TCU? Lack of focus. Even Bronco said that it was his fault for not preparing his team. They never once said that TCU beat them.
Against Utah? It was because Hall threw so many interceptions.
Against Arizona? They just kinda mumbled and grumbled and said, "WAIT UNTIL NEXT YEAR."

BYU has a lot of answering to do. They hyped up this season, as the QUEST FOR PERFECTION. It failed, miserably.

Don't expect us to be all happy and supportive as their team clearly UNDERACHIEVED this year. Unlike the Utes...

Utah fans have | 7:51 a.m. Jan. 8, 2009

alot of vitriol

No One's Perfect | 7:51 a.m. Jan. 8, 2009

Don't stereotype. There are ignorant Utah fans and BYU fans alike. There are exceptional fans on both sides. There are some in the middle. I have BYU fan friends who trash talked Utah before the season. Brian Johnson is a wimp and a hack. Defense will continue to give up big plays. Utah has no running game. I saw these friends last week. Did they say anything positive about Utah's Alabama win? Of course not. Instead, I got good luck next year with no coaches. Utah will be a middle MWC team.

I take this in stride, because I also have BYU fan friends who were pulling for the Utes. Who told me after the game that Utah deserves the national title more than the BYU national champion team. As a strong Utah fan, I was pulling for BYU in Vegas. It makes the conference look good, and I wanted another victory over the PAC 10.

The Utes are trail blazers when it comes to the BCS. BYU didn't do it for them. They got in first, which lead to a BCS change, and, hopefully this year, they will help in making the BCS a thing of the past.

Silly Zoob little sister | 8:07 a.m. Jan. 8, 2009

Factual errors = FAIL!

Dear Hypocrisy | 8:28 a.m. Jan. 8, 2009

Reading through the comments, I think you jump to a lot of conclusions, have assumptions and are quick to cast stones. Bad form and I am not a fan of any one team, just a guy who enjoys sports.

Stevie | 8:42 a.m. Jan. 8, 2009

To JMT: Let's be clear that there are only 20 teams in the top 20. Pittsburg was rated #2 in the preseason bowl, but ended up not being ranked in the top 20 by the end of the year. In fact, that 1984 championship team manged to play and win 14 games all against unranked opponents. There is no comparison to being a team ranked #2 preseason, but who ends up unranked to playing a team ranked #4 at the end of the season in a BCS bowl. Even BYU's bowel opponent, Michigan, ended the season unranked. Remember: There are only 20 teams in the top 20, and non played BYU in 1984. That 1984 team may have been good. How can anyone tell?

Mike | 9:09 a.m. Jan. 8, 2009

No Lauren, we owe YOU and the editors here the thanks!
You for presenting a bunch of blue-colored garbage, and the editors for not throwing it into the trash where it belongs, and actually publishing it.
Comic relief for everyone!!
Drinks are on me!
Mike

vegas jeff | 9:23 a.m. Jan. 8, 2009

typical byu fan,just like the church you feel its the only true football program.worst fans ever

No Cred | 10:01 a.m. Jan. 8, 2009

If you don't know what byu's record was in 96 then you don't have any credibility. Actually, I blame this on the Desnews staff.

Mikey | 10:02 a.m. Jan. 8, 2009

Ok Lauren. I would like to thank BYU for letting the Utes lead the rivalry 53-33-4.
And for losing to the Utes this year.
And for getting killed by TCU.
And for not helping out the conference by losing in their Bowl Game this season.
And for promoting people like Mike Waddoups, and Gayle Ruzcika, and Greg "The Liar and gas thief" Curtis, and Chris "Butt out" Buttars.....want more?

To author of tupical y fan | 11:07 a.m. Jan. 8, 2009

Well thought out, well written and well done!
There need be no other postings after that comprehensive beat-down. The writer of the subject letter obviously hammered out her little fact-free tirade in about 30 seconds, tried hard to earn brownie points in her ward for getting published in the name of defending indefensible BYU, and got slapped back to reality.
Does the heart good, it does.
Cheers, Mate.

wallofvoodoo | 12:21 p.m. Jan. 8, 2009

I wrote one, it was never published. Sounds fishy that the D-News publishes the kick them while they are down over the encouraging ones. I have also spoken against the kick them while they are down types here. So don't lump us all in. & thanks for the shot at BCS BYU.

Alas, Lauren | 12:24 p.m. Jan. 8, 2009

Don't you just HATE hitting the "send" button when you're not really sure you have the facts down?
Well, looks like you're getting reminded.
Ouch.

William F.

ha ha | 2:02 p.m. Jan. 8, 2009

Now, Lauren, don't say things you don't mean. We can all clearly see how bitter you are about BYU's disappointing season, and the Utes perpetual victory.
Also: Is your alias "Uncle Rico"? Because you can't seem to get past 1984.

Bender Rodriguez | 2:12 p.m. Jan. 8, 2009

Only a BYU fan would give 2 cents about what happened more than a decade ago.

Schools such as Miami, Florida St, USC, Florida, Alabama, etc... who have won multiple titles ONLY care aboout the NEXT title which will be in the FUTURE.

utefan | 2:38 p.m. Jan. 8, 2009

Even if one were to grant that Ms. Payne's assertion that BYU's 1968 National Championship (albeit it by default) actually did lead to Congressional hearings and the creation of the current BCS system, that does not mean that Utah's appearances in either BCS bowl are due to that same cause. Utah earned its way into both BCS bowls by going undefeated. Period. End of discussion. Nothing else qualified the Utes, As for thanking BYU? Pleeeeeese....I have NEVER heard BYU ever give credit to any team that has defeated them...in Bronco talk...hasn't it always been a question of insufficient position mastery that led to the defeat? BYU was a national champion through the backdoor. In contrast this year's Ute's didn't knock on the front door of National Championship, they broke it down!!

cougars77 | 4:17 p.m. Jan. 8, 2009

As a person coming from a mixed family, meaning my dad graduated from the U and is a big Ute fan, and my mom and the rest of my siblings graduating from the Y, I have seen the best and worst of this rivalry come from my family.

The thing is, right now we just want to make the Conference look good. Utahs win over bama did loads to help the MWC prove its credibility, while BYU is going to have to wait a few years until we have a decent quarterback.

I've been taught one very important thing from my dad as I've grown up: Always cheer for both teams no matter who they play, because when you play them and beat them, its a bigger win.

What? | 5:16 p.m. Jan. 8, 2009

I thought BYU being voted #1 in 1984 was the main motivation to FORM the BCS!

The media and the big schools were mad that a little school like BYU got #1 and they wanted to make sure this kind of mistake never happens again.

So BYU's winning the Nat Championship in 84 is a big part of the reason the UofU had NO CHANCE of being #1. From the begining of the season, there was NO CHANCE they could have been #1. Not even if they beat ALL their opponents (including quality non-conference wins AND their bowl game).

So WHY should the UofU be thanking BYU? They were the catalist for the forming of the BCS... Who's main purpose is to insure schools like BYU and UofU can't get the #1 possition in the future!

BYU winning the champinship in 84 just insured that no WAC or MWC team can ever win the championship again (they formed the BCS mainly to guarantee that).

Not ETB! | 5:20 p.m. Jan. 8, 2009

Don't tell me ETB is a Utah fan! Now I have to reconsider my whole fan-hood.

@ vegas jeff | 11:25 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Drop the religion emphasis. There are many LDS fans that are avid Utah fans. Its not about the religion as much as you would like to think. More about people who are narrow minded (on both sides of the fence)

peperlake | 12:27 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

I would like to take this oppritunity to speak for all UofU fans and say "neener-neener-neener!!!!!"

and to the author of this letter do you really have to make sure your "side" of the issue has its argument? the rivalry between the two schools should not ever be dragged into the current culture differences to the point that a mormon would feel jealousy like that over sports!!! come on. what a foolish letter.

to my foolishness in the first paragraph I would like to add that if BYU goes undefeated next year I will root for them too and I promise not to act like the U deserves credit for it. thankyou.

have you forgotten? | 12:42 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

that the:
Utes beat BYU in the Holy War '08
Utes beat Alabama in the Sugar Bowl
Utes have a record 8 straight bowls games
Utes were ranked #2 and #4 in the AP and Coaches polls.
and what has been said of BYU? hahahahahaha.
lost in the Las Vegas Bowl hahahahahaha
how many straight years to the Las Vegas Bowl? Hahahah
what was BYU ranked in the AP and Coaches polls? hahaha

Gooooooooooooooooo Utes

'nuff said =]

Humbled Cougar | 1:12 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Yes, BYU was overrated. But Bronco stated several times that the Quest for Perfection shouldn't be misconstrued as applying to just football. The Quest applied to life in general - trying to improve and striving to better oneself. So many fans of both the Y and the U don't understand that. Yeah, they had hopes of a BCS bowl, and they were crushed but when is a 10-3 season considered a failure?

To think that all Y or all U fans are - (insert adjective) - is stupid. Unless you know every single one of them and they all fall into one stereotype - even then it can be argued that your definition of said stereotype is wrong. Some U and Y fans are narrow-minded and completely off base, missing the whole point of sports by spewing hatred. You cannot make generalizations.

Congrats to all Ute fans, Brian Johnson, Kyle Wittingham, and the rest for an amazing season. They are the #1 Team - read Rick Reilly of ESPN's article (one of the best he has ever written). The Utes will still be good next year with so many returning defensive starters.

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