The State of Deseret's Holy War

Tomorrow is the BYU vs UofU football game, aka the Holy War. 

I've loved college football games ever since I was a little kid and my dad would take us. We'd bring our own little footballs and throw them around before the game, and we'd get hot dogs and hot chocolate and probably some candy, too. Dad would tell us about the game and point out what was happening. Eventually we learned the rules and strategies and even a little playing technique. We learned a lot about how and when to cheer, as well as how to be good sports about winning and losing.

This is bigger than most college football match-ups. There's a lot of history - both good and bad.

My college years were mostly spent at BYU, but I had a semester at the UofU right before my mission.

You can bet my cheering as a Cougar and as a Ute were equally zealous.

Now that I've graduated and actually live out of state, I can more-comfortably enjoy the game and cheer my little heart out. I want to see a good game. As long as it's a good game, I'm semi-ambivalent about who is the victor. Some of you may decry my apathy in that regard. That's your right, and you're entitled to an opinion.

I went to both schools and I love them both. Each has a rich tradition and history, and have fielded great squads on the gridiron. The past 24 games have been split right down the middle: 12-12. And often the games are extremely close, regularly with 4th-quarter comebacks and/or overtime. While ESPN has given BYU a 4-point spread over Utah, we all know that it's going to come down to a few big plays making the difference either way.

Whatever happens, I'm excited to see a good, close game tomorrow. Go BYUofU!

P.S. I hope none of my friends or family disown me after this post. I love you all! Also, while I appreciate comments, let's try to keep it civil...

The Boys of Fall

Today is a glorious day.

It's the first day of the college football season.

I love football. Doesn't matter if it's two-hand touch, flag, Pop Warner, high school, college, arena league, NFL, CFL, even lingerie league (though I haven't seen either of those last two). I just love the game.

Of all the organized leagues, I think I like watching college games the most.
These are highly-trained amateurs, most of whom are playing purely for love of the game.
Some are working hard and obtaining an otherwise out-of-reach college degree.
But they play with heart and it's always fun to watch.

If you aren't pumped yet, here are a couple nuggets to get your juices flowing:

Here's wishing the best of luck to the BYU Cougars, UofU Utes, and all the rest this season.
Let the games begin!