Reader comments
Utah Utes football: Fan club a MUSS-do for U. students
108 comments | Read story
bigutefan | 9:03 p.m. Oct. 20, 2009
Love that MUSS! Wish it was around in the 80's and 90's. It would be
great if they could get at least 2000 of them to show up for basketball games.
While the MUSS sits right near the band and can hear the fight song.........the
rest of the stadium can barely hear the band. Most schools have figured out to
put microphones around the band to make it possible, happens in Provo and could
hear the UNLV band this past weekend loud and clar. Maybe the MUSS leaders could
influence the University to get microphones put around the band so we could hear
the fight song. Is that too much to ask?
tMoS | 9:20 p.m. Oct. 20, 2009
I started sitting with the students in 2002(heck, you could sit anywhere you
wanted in the whole stadium at that time)and was a MUSS member in '03 and
'04. I've sat in a couple of other school's student section, but
no place is more rocking than the MUSS.
And I can say that the MUSS experience was part of what has made me a Ute fan and season ticket holder for life. Even in its infancy the MUSS was an amazing organization, I can't even imagine how great it is now, but I'm happy to live somewhat vicariously through the current members each 3rd Down Jump.
While there is something to be said of the advantages of keeping demand high, I would also like to see the cap eventually moved from 5,000 to 7 or 8k (south endzone expansion anybody?). A crazy student section improves the experience for the whole stadium, creating emotion and excitement.
And with Mal(Ute)lory and Coach Boylen leading the way hopefully some of the passion can be moved over to the hard court this season. Go Utes!
And I can say that the MUSS experience was part of what has made me a Ute fan and season ticket holder for life. Even in its infancy the MUSS was an amazing organization, I can't even imagine how great it is now, but I'm happy to live somewhat vicariously through the current members each 3rd Down Jump.
While there is something to be said of the advantages of keeping demand high, I would also like to see the cap eventually moved from 5,000 to 7 or 8k (south endzone expansion anybody?). A crazy student section improves the experience for the whole stadium, creating emotion and excitement.
And with Mal(Ute)lory and Coach Boylen leading the way hopefully some of the passion can be moved over to the hard court this season. Go Utes!
Pittsburgh Ute | 9:50 p.m. Oct. 20, 2009
When I went to the U 1998 to 2002, you could sit anywhere in the stadium. I than
moved out of state, this year I am back and I cant get good tickets. I love it.
To see all of the fans and the student support is awesome. It is great to see
the stands full of loud enthused fans.
Comments continue below
MUSS Rocks! | 9:58 p.m. Oct. 20, 2009
Great article, DN! My family doesn't live in Utah but every time we see a
U of U game on TV my 16 year old talks about how fun he would have as a member
of the MUSS. I would like to see another 15,000 seats added to the stadium to
enable the MUSS to accommodate half of the Utah student body!
TheManWho | 10:11 p.m. Oct. 20, 2009
I'm a cougar fan and I admit I am jealous of the U's student section.
Current Muss Member | 10:14 p.m. Oct. 20, 2009
This is my second year in the Muss and it is awesome! I even went on the bus to
Oregon and we did the third down jump in Autzen. We actually broke one of the
benches and it was carried out to all the disapproval of the Duck fans! We may
have lost but Oregon will remember when the Muss visited! Go Utes!
muss is a must | 10:57 p.m. Oct. 20, 2009
good job utes and ute fans. lets keep it growing, and continue to show up the
team down south year after year. just remember the 70's and 80's were
theirs to cherish forever. the 90's were even, and 2000 and beyond are ours
for the taking. congrats on taking over as the best football program and fan
base in the state.
I live down here in st.george, and the utes are by far the favorites down here.
go utes
I live down here in st.george, and the utes are by far the favorites down here.
go utes
Anonymous | 10:59 p.m. Oct. 20, 2009
I have had season football tickets for thiry-six years and I LOVE THE MUSS!!!!
The Muss, the stadium, the athletes make each home game sheer joy to
attend!!!!!!! Go UTES!!!!!!
Steve | 11:24 p.m. Oct. 20, 2009
Are they going to expand Rice-Eccles Stadium yet? If they did, they could bump
the MUSS cap up a bit.
freshman muss member | 11:28 p.m. Oct. 20, 2009
My parents had season tickets as I was growing up and I went to almost all of
the home games always thinking how much fun it would be to sit in the MUSS
section. Now that I am in it is even more fun than I thought it would be. It is
a good social environment but all the students in the MUSS take football
seriously and I love how involved everyone gets. Its a great atmosphere and
maybe someday we can get the whole stadium to do the third down jump? Get the
alumni and everyone else to do that, that would be classic! go utes
expansion is possible | 11:37 p.m. Oct. 20, 2009
watched the coaches show on channel 4 and Hill said that a possible double
decker expansion on the east side of the stadium, along with filling in the
South side of the stadium is a possibility in the near future. Could you imagine
a double decker RICE-ECCLES! that many more fans and MUSS members making
Rice-Eccles that much louder!
Anonymous | 11:42 p.m. Oct. 20, 2009
This is my 5th season in the MUSS (don't bother me with cracks about
graduation). One of the things I considered when I decided to stay at the U for
my Master's degree was the MUSS. There is no place I would rather be on a
Saturday afternoon in the fall than in Rice-Eccles in the MUSS with 5000 of my
best friends. Go Utes!
Looking back... | 11:51 p.m. Oct. 20, 2009
I sure wish we had the MUSS while I was a student during the late '90s.
Now, as a resident on the East coast, I can't even experience the new
gameday environment.
Perhaps I should make a trip out there some year. I'll DEFINITELY be at the Pitt game in '11.
GO UTES!!!
Perhaps I should make a trip out there some year. I'll DEFINITELY be at the Pitt game in '11.
GO UTES!!!
California Transplant | 12:49 a.m. Oct. 21, 2009
I love both the Muss at the U, and the Popcorn Popping song at BYU.
Both are classic examples of the way Utahns have fun!!!
Both are classic examples of the way Utahns have fun!!!
Good Article | 1:34 a.m. Oct. 21, 2009
Great Comments. Go Utes!
It's about time... | 2:55 a.m. Oct. 21, 2009
If Utah ever expects to be a big time program, Utah needs to expand it's
stadium.
Developing the MUSS is a start, but having a stadium that says major college football is a must.
It's embarrassing having a stadium that seats 20,000 less than LES, and it certainly doesn't look good to recruits when they visit Utah and see a stadium that screams small conference when compared almost every BCS conference team stadium.
Many BCS stadiums seat 90,000 or more; that's TWICE the size of RES at 45,000.
Developing the MUSS is a start, but having a stadium that says major college football is a must.
It's embarrassing having a stadium that seats 20,000 less than LES, and it certainly doesn't look good to recruits when they visit Utah and see a stadium that screams small conference when compared almost every BCS conference team stadium.
Many BCS stadiums seat 90,000 or more; that's TWICE the size of RES at 45,000.
re:muss is a must | 5:48 a.m. Oct. 21, 2009
Best fan base in the state? Since when have we ever cared what St. George had to
say? At BYU the student section has way more than 5000 seats and they sold out
this year in four hours. If the Utes aren't undefeated or in the top 25
they can't even sell out the stadium (which is 3/4 the size of BYUs).
To Mr. Anonymous @11:42, I won't tell anyone that the real reason you decided to stay at the U was so you could continue to live at your parents house and pretend you are still in high school like everyone else at the University.
To Mr. Anonymous @11:42, I won't tell anyone that the real reason you decided to stay at the U was so you could continue to live at your parents house and pretend you are still in high school like everyone else at the University.
Dallas | 6:07 a.m. Oct. 21, 2009
Wow... 5000, all get in FREE... wow. Awesome. BYU's 18000 students that
show up every single game have to pay.
Sorry... what's this story about again?
Sorry... what's this story about again?
Cougar | 6:29 a.m. Oct. 21, 2009
Since we get so many comments from the uties on COUGARS articiles, I just wanted
to make a comment. We all know the best program in the State is in HAPPY VALLEY.
You little brothers only wish you could have a program as good as BYU. GO
COUGARS>
Jack Bauer | 6:30 a.m. Oct. 21, 2009
I have always wondered if the MUSS feels guilty about ripping off Miami's
"U" hand sign? People use it all the time at the game but I wonder how
many know that it actually started at the real "U".
MUSS FAN | 6:39 a.m. Oct. 21, 2009
I was a member of the MUSS in '03 and '04. In fact, I met my wife at
one of the MUSS tailgate parties! I owe a lot to the MUSS. Definitely one of the
reasons why I am now a season ticket holder.
GO UTES!!!
GO UTES!!!
Cougar fan | 7:04 a.m. Oct. 21, 2009
Nothing but respect for the Muss! I love fans that love their team no matter
who that team is.
Bob2 | 7:16 a.m. Oct. 21, 2009
I started attending Ute games in 1979 and had the honor of sitting (standing and
jumping) with the MUSS at last seasons BYU thumping. This was the best and most
thrilling football experience I've ever had. I used to sit among lethargic
and cynical fans in the Chuck Stobart years and I hope my friends in the MUSS
know how much they improve the whole experience. True, a winning football
program is bound to make these things happen, but I credit these kids. I went to
the UNLV game last week. The MUSS spilled over into Vegas; they were truly there
in spirit and it was a stinkin' riot.
Alum | 7:22 a.m. Oct. 21, 2009
I love seeing the energy coming out of the student section. It's
contagious! Keep it up you guys!
utefan | 7:43 a.m. Oct. 21, 2009
Dallas, it is Zoobs like you that make it impossible for me to EVER cheer for
your pathetic school
Anonymous | 7:50 a.m. Oct. 21, 2009
Against tcu last year the muss electrified the entire stadium. It was the most
fun game I ever been to the entire stadium was screaming not one person was in
their seat. If only thre were 10-20 more thousand people there
Ute Math | 7:56 a.m. Oct. 21, 2009
"Instead, 800 showed up...The next year, the group nearly doubled to
1,400"
Only at the Ewe does 800 "nearly doubled" equal 1400.
Only at the Ewe does 800 "nearly doubled" equal 1400.
The U sign | 8:18 a.m. Oct. 21, 2009
Every time I see the U sign from the students I wonder if they realize that they
stole it from Miami. Kind of like referring to BYU as the "team down
south". Come up with something original Ute fans. One thing you can rely
on with Ute fans. A couple of bad games and you will be able to sit wherever
you want again. Ute fans = bandwagon.
Anonymous | 8:19 a.m. Oct. 21, 2009
I am soooooo glad I attended BYU. Still, you've gotta like a good student
section.
Nearly | 8:34 a.m. Oct. 21, 2009
Only at BYU would you not understand what "nearly" meant...
What is wrong with that statement... 1400 is near 1600...
WOW!
What is wrong with that statement... 1400 is near 1600...
WOW!
Re: Jack Bauer | 8:45 a.m. Oct. 21, 2009
"The real U"? You need to study your history, bro. The University of
Utah was known as "the U" before the University of Miami was even a
twinkle in the Florida State Legislature's eye.
U of U - 1850
Miami - 1925
Just because UM students started throwing up a "U" when Miami got good at football in the 90's does NOT make UM the original. Just thought you'd like to know.
U of U - 1850
Miami - 1925
Just because UM students started throwing up a "U" when Miami got good at football in the 90's does NOT make UM the original. Just thought you'd like to know.
more MUSS | 8:45 a.m. Oct. 21, 2009
They MUSS needs to expand and get better at attending basketball but they should
also show their support for womens soccer and gymnastics. It would be awesome to
see the MUSS at a gymnastics meet. Volleyball too.
Good | 8:51 a.m. Oct. 21, 2009
Re: Anonymous 8:19a.m.Oct.21,2009
We are soooooo glad you attended ybU too. We dont want your kind (cougar breaths) around here. lol.
Go Utes!
We are soooooo glad you attended ybU too. We dont want your kind (cougar breaths) around here. lol.
Go Utes!
Both Schools | 8:52 a.m. Oct. 21, 2009
I attended BYU for undergrad and now am at the U for grad school.
I can say that Utah definitely has the better student section for football.
BYU has a better student section for basketball.
I can say that Utah definitely has the better student section for football.
BYU has a better student section for basketball.
Disco Vega | 8:52 a.m. Oct. 21, 2009
I follow the Utes, even from CA. The MUSS is great and helps the team and the
spirit of the game. I fly to SLC once a year for a home game. There is no doubt
that the Ute Program is on a dynasty roll and will effect college football for
years to come. The Ute's aren't no flash in the pan...hang on to your
shorts Ute fans, because you aint seen nothin' yet! Go Utes!!
re: The U Sign | 8:55 a.m. Oct. 21, 2009
Actually, the U of U is 75 years older than the U of Miami (1850 vs 1925) so the
University of Utah is the ORIGINAL "U"!!!
Jealous? | 8:55 a.m. Oct. 21, 2009
TDS fans are jealous. The U has a real student section, whereas the Y
discourages unity. And get off the whole "you stole the 'U' from
Miami." Our "U" is different and where is there a "U"
in MIAMI?
I LOVE THE MUSS! It's worth all the hard work knowing that U students have something to relate to and have fun with while going to school. GO UTES!
I LOVE THE MUSS! It's worth all the hard work knowing that U students have something to relate to and have fun with while going to school. GO UTES!
tarheelio | 8:57 a.m. Oct. 21, 2009
Jack Bauer had you been given an education down there, you would plainly see the
difference between Utah's hand gesture and Miami's. And since the only
history book at BYU is the BOM, you are not aware that Utah was the U before
Miami was even founded.
R.S. | 9:01 a.m. Oct. 21, 2009
Go Utes! So glad to see how supportive the students are and it's great to
be at each and every home game as a season ticket holder. It is simply
hilarious to see how completely bent out of shape and jealous it makes the
pathetic cougar fans to see how successful the Utes have become these past few
years! I love it! Yes, it's the attitude of those loser Cougar fans that
respond negatively and bitterly to a harmless and fun articles like this that
makes me never EVER want to support their team (not that I ever would). Ute
greatness is here to stay, so get used to it zoobies! Let's keep the UTE
love alive!
Reality Check | 9:02 a.m. Oct. 21, 2009
I started going to Ute football games when I was 8. My brother and I would run
all over the stadium while dad watched the game (1966). I don't think I
settled down and watched a game until I was 12. But I remember great fans who
loved football just because it was football. That's why I love the Utes.
It's about football, not "living right" or coach double-speak, or
firesides to promote the team and recruit. It's honest, nothing to hide,
football. Who cares who comes and goes to the games. When you're there,
it's a good time. I have two kids up there now; soon to be 4. One in
pre-med and medical research, the other in economics and marketing. As one
graduates and heads to London and the BBC and the other to the East Coast, they
will remember the great times in the MUSS and the stellar education they
received. Let's leave it at that...College. Football. They go great
together.
love the MUSS | 9:03 a.m. Oct. 21, 2009
I've been going to Utah games since the early 70's and I am so happy
what the MUSS has turned the student section into. I've been to plenty of
games up there that you could show up 10 minutes before kick off and find great
seats. Now it's hard to get tickets at all. It's great.
To all the bitter byu fans..I love hearing your comments too - your jealousy tastes good. It's true your stadium holds a lot more people - but I would be surprised if you could find 5000 of your fans that were more into the game than the fans in the MUSS - you know that is true.
I'm also encouraged that is going to carry over to the baskeball team too. When I was up at the U, they sold out the Huntsman center consistently - it would be nice to see that place fill back up. I'm confident that the success Boylen is bringing back to the program will help.
Go Utes!!!
To all the bitter byu fans..I love hearing your comments too - your jealousy tastes good. It's true your stadium holds a lot more people - but I would be surprised if you could find 5000 of your fans that were more into the game than the fans in the MUSS - you know that is true.
I'm also encouraged that is going to carry over to the baskeball team too. When I was up at the U, they sold out the Huntsman center consistently - it would be nice to see that place fill back up. I'm confident that the success Boylen is bringing back to the program will help.
Go Utes!!!
Jealous | 9:06 a.m. Oct. 21, 2009
BYU fans read this article so they can learn how to become fans. It appears a
few of the fans posting comments prefer the LES the way it is with the knitting
and cross-stitching fans. That's about the only noise you can hear at LES.
BlueCoug | 9:13 a.m. Oct. 21, 2009
BYU could learn something from the Utah student section in RES. Cougar United
does ok, but BYU has spread the students out so much in LES that it's
impossible to have the tightly packed, frenzied student section that Utah has.
BYU, however, does much better with their student section in basketball.
It wasn't always so for Utah.
When I attended the U in the early 1990s, the Utah student section was benign. Being a lifetime BYU fan, I wore my BYU sweatshirt and sat in the middle of the Utah student section for one BYU/Utah game. We did get a few remarks from the Utah students, but for the most part they were cordial.
Utah football has finally developed a pulse in the 2000s. It's great to have Utah as a true rival, instead of BYU being Utah's bowl like they had been for about 20 years (1972 to 1992).
It's just too bad that that rivalry has been soured somewhat by many mean-spirited, hate-filled fans from both sides who haven't learned that it's possible to have an intense rivalry, but still have respect for each other.
Utah Alum
It wasn't always so for Utah.
When I attended the U in the early 1990s, the Utah student section was benign. Being a lifetime BYU fan, I wore my BYU sweatshirt and sat in the middle of the Utah student section for one BYU/Utah game. We did get a few remarks from the Utah students, but for the most part they were cordial.
Utah football has finally developed a pulse in the 2000s. It's great to have Utah as a true rival, instead of BYU being Utah's bowl like they had been for about 20 years (1972 to 1992).
It's just too bad that that rivalry has been soured somewhat by many mean-spirited, hate-filled fans from both sides who haven't learned that it's possible to have an intense rivalry, but still have respect for each other.
Utah Alum
BYU FAN | 9:25 a.m. Oct. 21, 2009
The support of the MUSS to the Utah football program is great. I wish there was
an enthusiastic group like this down at the Y. I hope the Utes beat Air Force
this week.
GO COUGS AND UTES!
GO COUGS AND UTES!
TrueRed | 9:27 a.m. Oct. 21, 2009
Re: anon 8:21 abd that slug Re:muss is a must....Uuuu two little koogie boys are
spending too much time in the pasture chasing ewes, and demonstrating on here
your very shallow intelligence.
At least students at the U. are able to lead their own life without having all their housing and activities dictated by your KGB code enforcers.
Have a great time this Sa as they destroy the babhy cats!!!t as the Frogs bring in a real load of "wart juice"
At least students at the U. are able to lead their own life without having all their housing and activities dictated by your KGB code enforcers.
Have a great time this Sa as they destroy the babhy cats!!!t as the Frogs bring in a real load of "wart juice"
Careful | 9:29 a.m. Oct. 21, 2009
Looks like those MUSS members could be flagged for a Personal Foul for making
the "U", just like RoJo was on Saturday.
Ridiculous calls on Saturday, including the penalty on RoJo for showing a "U" to the Utah fan section.
Ridiculous calls on Saturday, including the penalty on RoJo for showing a "U" to the Utah fan section.
HAHAHAHA | 9:30 a.m. Oct. 21, 2009
I love when BYU fans try to pump their attendance. They might have 10,000 in
their student section, but that is because all of those 28 year old students
brought their 6 kids and pregnant wife to sit on their hands. I'd take 5000
MUSS over 10,000 queit lame cougars and their kittens.
re:Re: Jack Bauer | 9:39 a.m. Oct. 21, 2009
Actually the U started by trying to imitate the Texas Longhorns with the one
handed U, then they copied the UofMiami and since they can't think of
anything else they kept it.
Miami Started winning NC's earlier than the 90's. Also, I guess what you're saying is you've been around 75 years longer than Miami and your still lightyears behind them when it comes to Football.
Miami Started winning NC's earlier than the 90's. Also, I guess what you're saying is you've been around 75 years longer than Miami and your still lightyears behind them when it comes to Football.
To Dallas | 10:00 a.m. Oct. 21, 2009
Congrats on your Y education - I give you an F for reading comprehension. You
obviously missed the part where it says it costs $30 to join the MUSS.
PS to Jealous @ 9:06 - knit one, pearl two. Clickety clack!!
Go UTES!!
PS to Jealous @ 9:06 - knit one, pearl two. Clickety clack!!
Go UTES!!
Stealing Hypocrites | 10:00 a.m. Oct. 21, 2009
Hey Kitties, which is worse: Stealing Miami's hand sign to make a U or
stealing Utah State's colors ?
I undersrtand, If my school's colors were as intimidating as YBU's baby blue, I would want to steal someone elses colors too.
I undersrtand, If my school's colors were as intimidating as YBU's baby blue, I would want to steal someone elses colors too.
Add your comment
Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.
Words Remaining
E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.
Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Utah coach Kyle Whittingham credits Utah's student section, known as the MUSS, saying the team "feeds off of their emotion."
Related content
- Blood found in Yale suspect's home 9:48 a.m.
- Allen Iverson signs with 76ers again 9:48 a.m.
- FDIC: bank access lacking for poor 9:23 a.m.
- Publishers strengthen 'pay walls' 9:22 a.m.
- General Growth files reorganization 9:20 a.m.
- Panel OKs key regulatory measure 9:19 a.m.
- Bailout program will end soon 9:18 a.m.
- 3 men sought in Ogden robbery 8:52 a.m.
- Tiger Woods' statement 8:52 a.m.
- Woods says he lets family down 8:42 a.m.
- 2 citations issued at Y.-U. game
- Witness: Mitchell wanted attention
- BYU says Hall incident resolved
- Max Hall: a fixture in rivalry lore
- Why is Y. ignoring spew of hatred?
- Find joy in life, Bishop Burton says
- Unbeaten BYU takes trip to Logan
- 'Grandfamilies' a growing trend
- MWC '09 season in review
- McCoy to resign from Utah Senate
- Hall mouths off about hate of Utah
907 - Cougars beat Utes in overtime483
- Hall reprimanded by MWC404
- Max Hall issues apology388
- Hall's pain reflects self-betrayal350
- Utes won't respond to Hall276
- BYU says Hall incident resolved239
- 2 citations issued at Y.-U. game164
- BYU is champion of the state143
- Religion in politics is tiresome134
Those were quite the pictures of Jamie Whittingham mixing it up with BYU...
Latest comments
Every team is a dangerous foe for utah this year.
My Apology for missing the decimal place. In an earlier comment, I stated...
During most of the "drunk" period, the Fed was run by Allan Greenspan who...
Isn't it amazing that Austin Collie is closer to a Super Bowl ring than Alex...
Mike Lee isn't even in the race (maybe he will) and is only 2% behind a...
We all have our favorite phrases to sum up the TDS - Utah rivalry games....
Then it was also a tie game in 2005.
Re: "Even if the danger is overstated, we need to be better stewards of the...
I suppose all of you that feel his actions are justified because of his...
When someone gets HIV because they had a blood transfusion, or married to...
Advertisements