Battle lines still drawn

Just got a Christmas card from my nephew, Adam, who is in his late 30s. The front of the card was Santa dressed in red with the Ute drum and feather symbol on his stocking hat, his gloved hand signaling No. 1. Adam is a die-hard Ute fan.

I bring it up because after covering BYU for 32 years, this newspaper gig is chocked full of feedback, both good and ugly. It is appreciated. It got ugly this week.

Stories this week by Jeff Call and myself that quote Cougar coaches and players about goals of reaching the BSC have brought out plenty of passion from Utes – and it is welcomed. Even the vitriolic and personal attack email is a positive sign that there is blood pumping in this rivalry.

It is interesting, however, a year ago when BYU finished 11-2, the criticism of Bronco Mendenhall’s program was that departed John Beck, Jonny Harline and Curtis Brown would leave BYU barren and struggling. A one-hit blip. Didn’t happen.

This past week, after finishing 11-2 again, critics of Mendenhall’s program have turned to making fun of Mendenhall and the goal by his players to reach a BCS game. The logic now is that BYU lost to UCLA and Tulsa and got lucky in barely dispatching of Utah and UCLA a second time. In other words, 11-2 isn’t anything to write about.

I guess arguments could be made either way and will continue in weeks and month to come. Mendenhall did say he has a goal of winning a national championship. The only way that could ever happen is for BYU to go undefeated with a schedule comprised of wins over at least one or two ranked opponents and Pac-10, SEC and the other four BCS conference leaders would have to have at least two losses. The system as it stands, is not made for a BYU or Boise State to ever play in the championship game.

But boy, did the insults fly this week for reporting the BYU goal.

It’s just entertaining to see cases made, defended and dispatched in this discussion and this week which is supposed to be a real dead time in sports.

Rivarly passion, you gotta love it.

And Adam, may all your Ute dreams be fulfilled. Happy Holidays.