the bigger the Ute fanbase becomes. I work with many transplants from other states. Missouri fans, Florida fans, SDSU fans, etc.
And they all root for their team AND the Utes.
Why?
Because as the anti-Mormon Ute fans in my office have pointed out, the choice is between supporting a football program (Utah) or a Mormon Missionary Program (BYU).
I try to counter with the fact that there are a couple of non-Mormons on the team and the anti-Mormon Utes just pull up a bevy and slew of BM quotes and actions to prove it's about pushing the religion more than playing football games.
At least I've turned most of them into fans that don't HATE BYU but I doubt I can get any of them to become BYU fans.
I still try though. I can at least do that.