Anae played in the rivalry game, Cahoon did too, Doman, Atuaia, Poppinga, etc. etc. etc.

You REALLY believe these guys didn't care about this game? You really think Bronco didn't care about it?

These folks are in the top 1% of their professions. All of those listed played D1 football. They are competitive and understand winning is what keeps food on the table at home.

It is a huge disservice to say these guys didn't care about the Utah game. Did Bronco try to go about every opponent the same way, absolutely. I'm pretty sure that is not an argument. It is smart coaching to keep the kids level and loose. We prep for every opponent the same way.

Could he have placed a bit more emphasis on this game? Done a bit more to excite the players, stoke the fire, etc? Sure, and I wish he would have.

But don't think for a minute that Bronco or the rest of the staff didn't "care about the rivalry". They absolutely did, and this I have on first hand information from a coach on the staff.