Though feeling somewhat capricious and unloyal, I still entirely enjoyed every time a BYU player blind-sided an opponent. I still got real worked up over disappointing, outrageous, game-changing calls by the officials. And it didn't matter that I was watching the cougs, my two favorite things about football - sacking the other team's quarterback and watching players dive over opponents head-first into the end zone - did in no way lose their luster.
Now this year, during what is likely an entirely over-hyped, but nonetheless exhilarating rivalry face off, Jer's cougs took home the victory over my utes, much to my dismay. Jer even bailed on me to actually go to the game (who wouldn't though right?), but what was worse was his gallivanting around like a proud peacock upon arriving home - which I am pretty sure put to shame my gloating from the prior year ute win. It was, however, a very close game, so I am grateful for that small consideration in my favor.
And who can forget the crowning event of the season with Max Hall's words that will long outlive his football legacy: "I don't like Utah. In fact, I hate them. I hate everything about them. I hate their program, I hate their fans, I hate everything. I think the whole university, their fans and their organization is classless". Unlike the many outraged Utah fans around the state, the comment made me do nothing more than laugh. It is, however, always fascinating to see the ridiculous reactions that can be provoked by such an inconsequential comment.
Now if I'm being entirely honest, I can probably name more BYU players than Utah players, but I still maintain that that is not the point, though Jeremy will fervently fight me on that. Jer may be the most avid BYU fan I have ever known, so accordingly I can be the "supportive" wife. I've even conceded to rooting for BYU... just as long as they're not playing the Utes (which is more than generous if you ask me).
Despite enjoying games, even cheering for the cougs, and Jer's relentless attempts to sway my loyalties, I remain the classless Ute fan. Here's to many years of marital discord during rivalry games to come.
