Today is the all-important BYU versus U of U football game. It really is a big deal. Sadly I cannot watch it because the house I am at for the weekend does not receive the station. For those of who grew up in Utah or as diehard BYU fans you may understand what I am talking about. For those of who do no follow football or care nothing for either of the teams then this blog will not matter to you.
I grew up in a household with a true blue all the way through BYU football fan—my dad. He attends every home game, and watches all the other ones. He is a loyal fan and will defend BYU through their worst seasons. The past few seasons have been a little rough, I must admit. And then there is my mom. She was raised a U of U fan. She still roots for the U, but it is rare that she will sit down to watch a game, except this game.
The war has been bitter over the years. And it extends past those who are attending college. Every year the adults in my ward would gather for a party the night before. The fans would face off against each playing party games, and keeping score. The winners were predicted by which side won that night. At church the next Sunday you could always see who had made a bet and lost according to the color of tie that they wore to church.
Living outside of Utah has lessened the intensity of the rivalry for me. I run into fewer U fans, though I know several BYU fans. Still on game day I can feel the blood beginning to boil. I want to stand with the crowds, sing the fight song and cheer the Cougars on to victory. It is time that the true champions once again emerge victorious. Go Cougars!
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