I think both teams' players really get up for the game. I think this is detrimental to BYU - their gameplan and success under Bronco has always relied on execution and mistake-free play. Utah, OTOH, lives on risk. Turnovers, special teams, the lucky bounce have all played a part in their wins and losses in recent years. IOW, the rivalry is played Utah's way. Emotions are high.

FWIW, I think this is evident when you look at the weeks surrounding the rivalry game. BYU has traditionally done well before and after the rivalry game, even to big name opponents - where emotions and nerves aren't as high and the pressure is lessened. Utah, OTOH, has lost a lot of games immediately preceding and following the rivalry game, suggesting some lull in emotion, which Utah feeds on, contrasting the BYU game. I'd be interested if Utah fans see it the same way.