to the U of U and cheer for the team.

Ask them how they reconcile.

Elder Wirthlin was a huge supporter of U of U athletics and actually traveled with the team, met frequently with the Head Coaches, etc. He wanted Utah to beat BYU every time they met.

I think there are those who actually hate the other team in the rivalry but most don't. We just want our football team to win.

It has nothing to do with faith, belief, spiritual conviction, etc.

I think those who tie the BYU football program to their faith have the issue.

How about when the BYU players do bad things? Rape allegations, jail time, etc.

Dude, you need to separate Church and sport. Your hate of any team, (like yours of Utah) is not Christian at all. Perhaps your affiliation with BYU sports, something that makes you hate another person or organization, is making you less Christian, not more. I would give up sports if that is how it makes you feel. I mean purely from a spiritual standpoint.