I don't post often but I'm addicted to CB. I'm a big fan of good takes, friendly banter, and an open mind. Thanks, CB!

Listing things we “love” and things we “hate” can be troublesome these days, particularly when it concerns sacred topics like college football in the beehive state. In light of General Conference this weekend, I’ll attempt a higher and holier approach.

With deference to Mr. Rumsfeld’s courageous post late Saturday night (Had a Utah fan ask me...) I’ve noted a few quick takes below:

• Pleasant Surprises. As one who predicted BYU would go 5-7 this year, I could not have been farther off the mark. Our team is playing inspired football. The feeling of camaraderie and brotherhood among the players and coaches is obvious. Sky’s the limit now! Strange to say but BYU is one of only a small handful of teams that controls its own destiny relative to the college football playoff. As is always the case with great teams, however, staying healthy is imperative.
• Coaching Success. While I don’t care for Kalani’s approach, there is no denying Kalani deserves his props. Although it’s taken him 9 years, Kalani has finally surrounded himself with a quality staff, including Gary Anderson (senior analyst), Chad Kauha'aha'a (senior analyst), Sione Po’uha, TJ Woods, KPop, and, of course, the indefatigable and consummate pro, Jay Hill. Unfortunately, Jay isn’t going to be around much longer. No way he isn’t offered a serious HC opportunity if we win 9 or 10 games this year. Jay has been my choice for BYU HC before he came to BYU.
• Kyle Whittingham. Few things are more enjoyable than watching the expression on Kyle’s face stalking the sideline when things aren’t going his way. Can’t decide if it’s a hemorrhoid condition or the problematic placement of a prickly pinecone. Kyle use of the word, “unacceptable,” to describe his team’s performance is also delicious. Can’t see Morgan Scalleywag replicating Kyle’s success though.
• Ute Fanbase. I’ll be the first to say that while not ALL Ute fans are deplorable, boorish, crass, nauseating, classless, arrogant, odious, self-deceiving, and ungrateful, MOST ARE. Facts! I have 55 years’ worth of experience at LES and the Rice-Eccles Rodeo Grounds in forming this opinion and the facts, as Kevin Bacon would say, are indisputable. What is particularly unlikeable about most Utah fans are those who are members of the CJCLDS who say nothing and do nothing when the greatest offenders of their fan base are up to their usual antics cursing, accosting, or generally offending opposing fans. As a BYU fan, I have said and heard other BYU fans say to unruly and derogatory BYU fans that personal insults directed at opposing players and fans are “unacceptable.” I’ve had arguments with other BYU fans about representing BYU the right way. Of course, I and others aren’t perfect. But, unlike Utah, one cannot say there is a culture of deplorable fans at BYU. It’s just not true. And, nothing on the scale of what we endure from other fan bases, particularly the U of U.

BYU has a great and grand tradition of football in Utah. I will always be proud to represent BYU. Love the university and everything it represents. Love the players and coaches over the years that have made it great. Go Cougs'