SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 Sports) - It's no secret, the 2012 meeting between BYU & Utah on the football field could be the last for quite some time.
For the last 115 years, the rivalry that has come to be known as Utah's "Holy War", has produced some incredible memories. However, because of scheduling conflicts, the future if uncertain for one of the best rivalries in college football. The contract between the schools expires after September's meeting at Rice-Eccles Stadium and that's a tough pill for fans to swallow.
"I think it's a bummer," said Utah fan Kelvin Jackson. "It brings a lot of people together."
"I definitely don't want the rivalry to go away," added BYU fan Chance Allred.
"I want to see it continue as long as they can get the sportsmanship part under control," said Cougar fan John Colson.
For some fans, taking away the rivalry is like ripping out their souls. Not good. Although, for others, it's no big thing.
"I really don't care anymore...that's it," said Shawn Brenchley.
Others say the rivalry going on hiatus could be a good thing.
"If it went away for awhile people would realize what they're missing," said University of Utah student Will Paarmann. "When it comes back it'll be full force and everyone will be super into it."
The comments Utah football coach Kyle Whittingham made two weeks ago speaking to Yahoo! Sports raised a red flag for a lot of folks.
"Bottom line is we've got to do what's best for our program," Whittingham told Yahoo's Graham Watson. "That supersedes anything to do with the rivalry. If taking a year or two off periodically is best for our program, best for our scheduling, then that's what we've got to do.
"Our program is bigger than the rivalry. That's got to take a backseat to us doing what's best for our program."
A few other guys ABC4 Sports spoke to who have played and coached in this series believe the Utes and Cougars meeting every year is a MUST.
"To let that game go away I think would be a real tragedy," said former Utah head coach Ron McBride.
"If our players don't get to experience those games and each others stadiums and those environments....it would be a crying shame to see it go away," added BYU offensive coordinator Brandon Doman.
Whether it stays or goes...the show must go on.
