1) Better coaching

2) (And more recently) Better players

Kyle Whittingham has been an expert at slowing down and/or outright stopping the BYU offense. He did it quite well when he had less talent, on average, than BYU. Things haven't exactly improved recently, as he's recruited more talent, on average, than BYU.

We've had our opportunities for sure, what with all the one-score losses. There have been coaching gaffes, plays we wish we'd have called differently, you name it....It's almost encouraging that we've been as close as we've been so many times, despite what has appeared to be a more athletic opponent. Almost.

There have been winnable games for BYU. But talent vs. talent, the Utes have just seemed better for quite a long time. The last time I thought we had the superior team, they took us to overtime on our home field before we finally won. I have to go back to '98-2001 to think of times when Utah had a hand in beating themselves, something BYU has offered up on too-frequent basis.

I'm with you. When it comes to Utah vs. BYU, I'll believe the win the moment I see the clock hit zeroes with BYU on top--essentially the same way I felt during the BYU vs. Wisconsin game.

Having observed BSU vs. U of Idaho over decades, I can tell you that rivalries can turn upside down and that once one school seizes overwhelming advantage, things don't always work out so well for the other party. I'm hoping that I am not seeing something similar playing out with the Cougs and the Utes.