"We always circled the BYU game. We talked about wanting to win every game, but knew we better not......lose that game."

Why do Ute players believe they better not lose that game? Because it has been engrained in their culture since Urban Meyer came to Salt Lake and has continued through Kyle Whittingham. The game IS more important to Utah and the results over the past 10 years bare that out. I think Bronco is tired of getting sand kicked in his face year after year so maybe he will take it more seriously moving forward, but I kind of doubt it. He will need a few more losses until the personal and external pressure elevate the game in importance. 

If you want to point to one reason Utah has won, even in years that BYU was favored or appeared to be a better team this is it.