those traditions are something for the fanbase to latch onto and enjoy. Utes also tailgate most of the day at the stadium. BYU might want to copy that tradition and establish a few of its own before we make fun of Ute traditions.
I think Cougar fans are jealous of the pirate ship. I really do. It is no more or less silly than any other football tradition at other schools. But the fans love it. That is the whole point.