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5 things you’ll miss about the Holy War this year

For the first time since World War II, Brigham Young University and the University of Utah will not be playing football against each other. Every Fall, thousands of fans look forward to rivalry week and the joys that come with it. So, with that being said, here are five things that you’ll miss about not having a BYU vs. Utah football game in 2014.

 

1. The Game Itself

Especially, the games of the 2000s. In 2012, Utah blocked three field goals and dealt with fans rushing the field each time to secure their victory. Andrew George’s 2006 game winning touchdown catch as he broke a Stevenson Sylvester tackle in overtime that sent Lavell Edwards Stadium into pandemonium. It’s been an endless supply of heartache and triumph for both Cougars and Utes, alike.

 

2.  Family & Office Rivalries

The state of Utah is typically split down the middle when it comes to Utes and Cougars. You may have siblings that attended Utah and parents that went to BYU; or a co-worker that get up at 5 a.m. to decorate your entire office the Friday before the game. Whether it’s in the home or at the office, you can find fans on both sides of the aisle.

 

3. Stadium Banter

If you’ve ever attended a BYU vs. Utah football game, it’s apparent the two sides do not get along. Trash talk is endless at both Rice-Eccles Stadium and Lavell Edwards Stadium during games. And things can get hostile, especially if you’re the head coach of the Cougars in Salt Lake City.

 

4. Social Media

Fans can now tweet directly at players, coaches and opposing supporters with vitriol or support. Rivalries have been transformed with the rise of social media in our society:

An unbelievable #rivalry prank on @scotthaws this morning. #BYUvsUtah #kslam pic.twitter.com/mHCBpbm08T

— Lori Prichard (@LoriPrichard) September 20, 2013

Gotta love the Cougar fan that rented a crane to display his loyalty on I-15, in the heart of Ute country. #BYU pic.twitter.com/XDARoz0bK4

— David Nixon (@D_Nixon) September 20, 2013

 

5. The Controversy

Last year, the rivalry was filled with juicy gossip that the media and fans endlessly talked about. Ute players mocked a baptism and BYU Linebacker Spencer Hadley was suspended for honor code violations. It doesn’t end in 2013, however. From Max Hall’s passionate speech in 2009 about his disdain for anything Ute affiliated, to Urban Meyer using BYU jersey’s for his players to wipe their dirty cleats on, there has never been a lack of drama.

Even though we won’t see BYU and Utah play this year or the next, things aren’t likely to change:

#UTAHvsBYU Corn Maze | @CornbellysMaze pic.twitter.com/aicPLk5LTL

— Ry (@UtahRy) September 20, 2013

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