As the game closes in, I have been thinking a lot about how BYU needs to play in order to come out of Rice Eccles with a win. After watching film I am sure a win is possible as long as a few aspects of the game swing in our favor.
Photo by Miller
I got a text from Quinn asking me if I would write a little bit about 2006’s final drive. Detailing my thougts and feelings on the final drive. I think for the rest of my life whenever it is the BYU vs Utah week I will always be reminded of that game in 2006. Even as I sit here typing, I have above me on a shelf the ball I took the final knee with. I wanted the ball that Johnny caught, but I don’t know if anybody knows where that ball currently resides. I just held on to the next best thing.
Well where do I begin.
Photo by Ravell Call
At this point of the season there really isn’t a person on the field that is 100%. If you have endured 11 games without some sort of injury, you’re a stronger man then I ever was. That being said there are different levels of injury. Harvey is probably the most banged up player on the team, but that’s because of the style. Add in the fact that he touches the ball the most and you have a recipe for some sore Sunday mornings.
Most of Harvey’s injuries will only heal with time. Sorry folks, one week isn’t enough time for an aggravated nerve to settle down and go away. But his injury can be managed with some R and R during the week, physical therapy, and lots and lots of treatment, daily I vitamin, and massage therapy. I think he’ll still be very effective on Saturday and what he isn’t able to do, Fui will pick-up the slack.
After thinking about the Cougar’s and Ute’s situations I am left wondering if the build-up and anticipation of Saturday’s game is diminished because of BYU loss? The Utes lived up to their end of the bargain and enter the game with an unblemished record. BYU suffered a demoralizing loss to TCU, but has since rebounded and is once again playing good football.
Here are just a few reasons why i love the BYU vs. Utah rivalry. The games have everything a fan could every want. Each game is filled with raw emotion, legal/illegal hits, good plays, bad plays, 4th down conversions and more.
The first video is from BYU’s last win at Rice Eccles and the second video is from Lavells final win against Utah, in Rice Eccles.
The first video picks up around the 2:52 point, I got chills remembering where I was when John threw that pass to Johnny. Enjoy, but don’t get in trouble at work.
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