They say that confession is good for the soul and I finally admitted to myself yesterday that I need some serious help. I am thinking about putting myself on a BYU football sabbatical because of how emotionally wrapped up I have gotten in BYU football and specifically their dealings the the utes. I have been a fan since 1989 and it has gotten worse each year. About three weeks ago I got so worried about the Utah game that I couldn't fall asleep one night until about 1:00 am because I was sick to my stomach. To put it in perspective I offer you the following:

1. I hate Utah. I hate the players, coaches, professors, students, administrators, fans, players families and friends, coaches families and friends, etc. If KW’s kids get made fun of at school it would make me smile as I truly hate them by the strongest definition of the word. This scares me a little.
2. When something bad happens to a Utah football player I revel in it. I honestly enjoy it when a player has a season ending injury. Seeing Asiata, Casteel, et al go down this year gave me a perverse joy. My first thought is, “Well, that is what they deserve for choosing to play for Utah.” This is pathetic
3. Watching KW melt down yesterday was pure joy for me to watch. I truly hope that not only does he lose his job but that he can’t get another one and that his family suffers financial ruin and are destitute. I am serious.
4. When I see someone that with Ute paraphalia on I immediately think that they must be a back country white trash hick with an extremely low IQ. They can’t keep a job because of their numerous addictions and on their best day they beat their wife and kids and kick the dog. For all I know they are a honest upstanding human being with great morals and values. They could be a stake president and all their children are active in my religion but I refuse to believe that it is possible. By the off chance that I find out this is true, I am sure it is the exception. Seriously.
5. Last year after the BYU/Utah game it took me about a day before I started to worry about next year. The problem is that I have a hard time enjoying a BYU win over Utah because I am so worried about how we will do next time.
6. For me a 1-11 season, if the one win was against Utah, would be a success. It is better if Utah is really good and we can ruin their season. I love it when we are good, but no matter what happens, beating Utah fixes all for me.
7. I am editing this because it was so bad. This one had to do with family. Let's just say that I can't stand a particular member of my extended family only because they are a ute fan.
8. A young girl I work with is a Ute fan and she was telling me about a date that she was on recently. When the guy she was with found out she was a Ute fan and he is a Y fan, it became ugly. He basically said that he couldn’t see himself dating and getting serious with a Ute fan. I tried to play along and agree about how wrong that was, but inwardly I was agreeing with him. That would be a complete deal killer for me. I am not sure how some of you do it that have married Ute fans, but I couldn’t. The relationship would be over.
9. During the last part of the 4th quarter of the CSU game, I was worried that we might lose that game. My concern wasn’t so much for my team and the conference championship implications, it was about the crap I would take from Ute fans at work the next day.
10. Yesterday we had a huge event for out youth in our stake. One of the presenters mentioned how he used to be a fan of the Y but had repented and now followed the U. I know he meant it in fun but I spent the next 10 minutes think about what a moron he was, instead of concentrating on his spiritual message. This is very common for me.

These are just some of the feelings I have. Ladies and gentlemen I am pleading for help. I am seriously considering giving up BYU football for a while until I can get this under control. Anyone else have/had it this bad and have any suggestions on how to fix it?

NorthernCougar wrote:

They say that confession is good for the soul and I finally admitted to myself yesterday that I need some serious help. I am thinking about putting myself on a BYU football sabbatical because of how emotionally wrapped up I have gotten in BYU football and specifically their dealings the the utes. I have been a fan since 1989 and it has gotten worse each year. About three weeks ago I got so worried about the Utah game that I couldn't fall asleep one night until about 1:00 am because I was sick to my stomach. To put it in perspective I offer you the following:

1. I hate Utah. I hate the players, coaches, professors, students, administrators, fans, players families and friends, coaches families and friends, etc. If KW’s kids get made fun of at school it would make me smile as I truly hate them by the strongest definition of the word. This scares me a little.
2. When something bad happens to a Utah football player I revel in it. I honestly enjoy it when a player has a season ending injury. Seeing Asiata, Casteel, et al go down this year gave me a perverse joy. My first thought is, “Well, that is what they deserve for choosing to play for Utah.” This is pathetic
3. Watching KW melt down yesterday was pure joy for me to watch. I truly hope that not only does he lose his job but that he can’t get another one and that his family suffers financial ruin and are destitute. I am serious.
4. When I see someone that with Ute paraphalia on I immediately think that they must be a back country white trash hick with an extremely low IQ. They can’t keep a job because of their numerous addictions and on their best day they beat their wife and kids and kick the dog. For all I know they are a honest upstanding human being with great morals and values. They could be a stake president and all their children are active in my religion but I refuse to believe that it is possible. By the off chance that I find out this is true, I am sure it is the exception. Seriously.
5. Last year after the BYU/Utah game it took me about a day before I started to worry about next year. The problem is that I have a hard time enjoying a BYU win over Utah because I am so worried about how we will do next time.
6. For me a 1-11 season, if the one win was against Utah, would be a success. It is better if Utah is really good and we can ruin their season. I love it when we are good, but no matter what happens, beating Utah fixes all for me.
7. I am editing this because it was so bad. This one had to do with family. Let's just say that I can't stand a particular member of my extended family only because they are a ute fan.
8. A young girl I work with is a Ute fan and she was telling me about a date that she was on recently. When the guy she was with found out she was a Ute fan and he is a Y fan, it became ugly. He basically said that he couldn’t see himself dating and getting serious with a Ute fan. I tried to play along and agree about how wrong that was, but inwardly I was agreeing with him. That would be a complete deal killer for me. I am not sure how some of you do it that have married Ute fans, but I couldn’t. The relationship would be over.
9. During the last part of the 4th quarter of the CSU game, I was worried that we might lose that game. My concern wasn’t so much for my team and the conference championship implications, it was about the crap I would take from Ute fans at work the next day.
10. Yesterday we had a huge event for out youth in our stake. One of the presenters mentioned how he used to be a fan of the Y but had repented and now followed the U. I know he meant it in fun but I spent the next 10 minutes think about what a moron he was, instead of concentrating on his spiritual message. This is very common for me.

These are just some of the feelings I have. Ladies and gentlemen I am pleading for help. I am seriously considering giving up BYU football for a while until I can get this under control. Anyone else have/had it this bad and have any suggestions on how to fix it?

When it all comes down to it, it's just a game, and while it'll suck if BYU loses, the sun will still come up the next day, and I'm sure there will be a lot of other good things happening in your life. Enjoy football, but don't let it keep you up till 1 AM!

NorthernCougar wrote:

They say that confession is good for the soul and I finally admitted to myself yesterday that I need some serious help. I am thinking about putting myself on a BYU football sabbatical because of how emotionally wrapped up I have gotten in BYU football and specifically their dealings the the utes. I have been a fan since 1989 and it has gotten worse each year. About three weeks ago I got so worried about the Utah game that I couldn't fall asleep one night until about 1:00 am because I was sick to my stomach. To put it in perspective I offer you the following:

1. I hate Utah. I hate the players, coaches, professors, students, administrators, fans, players families and friends, coaches families and friends, etc. If KW’s kids get made fun of at school it would make me smile as I truly hate them by the strongest definition of the word. This scares me a little.
2. When something bad happens to a Utah football player I revel in it. I honestly enjoy it when a player has a season ending injury. Seeing Asiata, Casteel, et al go down this year gave me a perverse joy. My first thought is, “Well, that is what they deserve for choosing to play for Utah.” This is pathetic
3. Watching KW melt down yesterday was pure joy for me to watch. I truly hope that not only does he lose his job but that he can’t get another one and that his family suffers financial ruin and are destitute. I am serious.
4. When I see someone that with Ute paraphalia on I immediately think that they must be a back country white trash hick with an extremely low IQ. They can’t keep a job because of their numerous addictions and on their best day they beat their wife and kids and kick the dog. For all I know they are a honest upstanding human being with great morals and values. They could be a stake president and all their children are active in my religion but I refuse to believe that it is possible. By the off chance that I find out this is true, I am sure it is the exception. Seriously.
5. Last year after the BYU/Utah game it took me about a day before I started to worry about next year. The problem is that I have a hard time enjoying a BYU win over Utah because I am so worried about how we will do next time.
6. For me a 1-11 season, if the one win was against Utah, would be a success. It is better if Utah is really good and we can ruin their season. I love it when we are good, but no matter what happens, beating Utah fixes all for me.
7. I am editing this because it was so bad. This one had to do with family. Let's just say that I can't stand a particular member of my extended family only because they are a ute fan.
8. A young girl I work with is a Ute fan and she was telling me about a date that she was on recently. When the guy she was with found out she was a Ute fan and he is a Y fan, it became ugly. He basically said that he couldn’t see himself dating and getting serious with a Ute fan. I tried to play along and agree about how wrong that was, but inwardly I was agreeing with him. That would be a complete deal killer for me. I am not sure how some of you do it that have married Ute fans, but I couldn’t. The relationship would be over.
9. During the last part of the 4th quarter of the CSU game, I was worried that we might lose that game. My concern wasn’t so much for my team and the conference championship implications, it was about the crap I would take from Ute fans at work the next day.
10. Yesterday we had a huge event for out youth in our stake. One of the presenters mentioned how he used to be a fan of the Y but had repented and now followed the U. I know he meant it in fun but I spent the next 10 minutes think about what a moron he was, instead of concentrating on his spiritual message. This is very common for me.

These are just some of the feelings I have. Ladies and gentlemen I am pleading for help. I am seriously considering giving up BYU football for a while until I can get this under control. Anyone else have/had it this bad and have any suggestions on how to fix it?

I agree, you should probably take some time off. I have quit listening to sports radio, I listen to books on tape on my drive to work. I don't watch the news, I don't discuss sports at work with anyone. I have almost completely quit posting on this site. Funny thing is, I enjoy the games on Saturday much more, my wife and I have a better relationship, and I am more happy generally. There is WAY too much negativity in today's media and I am a happier person when I remove myself from it.

Sounds like you got your priorities right to me.

Seriously, however, if you are worried about something a year in advance and are that consumed with the BYU/Utah rivalry, taking some time away would be for the best. I am not saying give up on this season, but do as suggested already: remove yourself from the situations that rile you up and focus on your family, work, and church calling instead. Balance is a good thing and BYU football will aways be there. They will win some, lose some, but in the end, it's only entertainment. Good luck.


NorthernCougar wrote:

They say that confession is good for the soul and I finally admitted to myself yesterday that I need some serious help. I am thinking about putting myself on a BYU football sabbatical because of how emotionally wrapped up I have gotten in BYU football and specifically their dealings the the utes. I have been a fan since 1989 and it has gotten worse each year. About three weeks ago I got so worried about the Utah game that I couldn't fall asleep one night until about 1:00 am because I was sick to my stomach. To put it in perspective I offer you the following:

1. I hate Utah. I hate the players, coaches, professors, students, administrators, fans, players families and friends, coaches families and friends, etc. If KW’s kids get made fun of at school it would make me smile as I truly hate them by the strongest definition of the word. This scares me a little.
2. When something bad happens to a Utah football player I revel in it. I honestly enjoy it when a player has a season ending injury. Seeing Asiata, Casteel, et al go down this year gave me a perverse joy. My first thought is, “Well, that is what they deserve for choosing to play for Utah.” This is pathetic
3. Watching KW melt down yesterday was pure joy for me to watch. I truly hope that not only does he lose his job but that he can’t get another one and that his family suffers financial ruin and are destitute. I am serious.
4. When I see someone that with Ute paraphalia on I immediately think that they must be a back country white trash hick with an extremely low IQ. They can’t keep a job because of their numerous addictions and on their best day they beat their wife and kids and kick the dog. For all I know they are a honest upstanding human being with great morals and values. They could be a stake president and all their children are active in my religion but I refuse to believe that it is possible. By the off chance that I find out this is true, I am sure it is the exception. Seriously.
5. Last year after the BYU/Utah game it took me about a day before I started to worry about next year. The problem is that I have a hard time enjoying a BYU win over Utah because I am so worried about how we will do next time.
6. For me a 1-11 season, if the one win was against Utah, would be a success. It is better if Utah is really good and we can ruin their season. I love it when we are good, but no matter what happens, beating Utah fixes all for me.
7. I am editing this because it was so bad. This one had to do with family. Let's just say that I can't stand a particular member of my extended family only because they are a ute fan.
8. A young girl I work with is a Ute fan and she was telling me about a date that she was on recently. When the guy she was with found out she was a Ute fan and he is a Y fan, it became ugly. He basically said that he couldn’t see himself dating and getting serious with a Ute fan. I tried to play along and agree about how wrong that was, but inwardly I was agreeing with him. That would be a complete deal killer for me. I am not sure how some of you do it that have married Ute fans, but I couldn’t. The relationship would be over.
9. During the last part of the 4th quarter of the CSU game, I was worried that we might lose that game. My concern wasn’t so much for my team and the conference championship implications, it was about the crap I would take from Ute fans at work the next day.
10. Yesterday we had a huge event for out youth in our stake. One of the presenters mentioned how he used to be a fan of the Y but had repented and now followed the U. I know he meant it in fun but I spent the next 10 minutes think about what a moron he was, instead of concentrating on his spiritual message. This is very common for me.

These are just some of the feelings I have. Ladies and gentlemen I am pleading for help. I am seriously considering giving up BYU football for a while until I can get this under control. Anyone else have/had it this bad and have any suggestions on how to fix it?

NorthernCougar wrote:

They say that confession is good for the soul and I finally admitted to myself yesterday that I need some serious help. I am thinking about putting myself on a BYU football sabbatical because of how emotionally wrapped up I have gotten in BYU football and specifically their dealings the the utes. I have been a fan since 1989 and it has gotten worse each year. About three weeks ago I got so worried about the Utah game that I couldn't fall asleep one night until about 1:00 am because I was sick to my stomach. To put it in perspective I offer you the following:

1. I hate Utah. I hate the players, coaches, professors, students, administrators, fans, players families and friends, coaches families and friends, etc. If KW’s kids get made fun of at school it would make me smile as I truly hate them by the strongest definition of the word. This scares me a little.
2. When something bad happens to a Utah football player I revel in it. I honestly enjoy it when a player has a season ending injury. Seeing Asiata, Casteel, et al go down this year gave me a perverse joy. My first thought is, “Well, that is what they deserve for choosing to play for Utah.” This is pathetic
3. Watching KW melt down yesterday was pure joy for me to watch. I truly hope that not only does he lose his job but that he can’t get another one and that his family suffers financial ruin and are destitute. I am serious.
4. When I see someone that with Ute paraphalia on I immediately think that they must be a back country white trash hick with an extremely low IQ. They can’t keep a job because of their numerous addictions and on their best day they beat their wife and kids and kick the dog. For all I know they are a honest upstanding human being with great morals and values. They could be a stake president and all their children are active in my religion but I refuse to believe that it is possible. By the off chance that I find out this is true, I am sure it is the exception. Seriously.
5. Last year after the BYU/Utah game it took me about a day before I started to worry about next year. The problem is that I have a hard time enjoying a BYU win over Utah because I am so worried about how we will do next time.
6. For me a 1-11 season, if the one win was against Utah, would be a success. It is better if Utah is really good and we can ruin their season. I love it when we are good, but no matter what happens, beating Utah fixes all for me.
7. I am editing this because it was so bad. This one had to do with family. Let's just say that I can't stand a particular member of my extended family only because they are a ute fan.
8. A young girl I work with is a Ute fan and she was telling me about a date that she was on recently. When the guy she was with found out she was a Ute fan and he is a Y fan, it became ugly. He basically said that he couldn’t see himself dating and getting serious with a Ute fan. I tried to play along and agree about how wrong that was, but inwardly I was agreeing with him. That would be a complete deal killer for me. I am not sure how some of you do it that have married Ute fans, but I couldn’t. The relationship would be over.
9. During the last part of the 4th quarter of the CSU game, I was worried that we might lose that game. My concern wasn’t so much for my team and the conference championship implications, it was about the crap I would take from Ute fans at work the next day.
10. Yesterday we had a huge event for out youth in our stake. One of the presenters mentioned how he used to be a fan of the Y but had repented and now followed the U. I know he meant it in fun but I spent the next 10 minutes think about what a moron he was, instead of concentrating on his spiritual message. This is very common for me.

These are just some of the feelings I have. Ladies and gentlemen I am pleading for help. I am seriously considering giving up BYU football for a while until I can get this under control. Anyone else have/had it this bad and have any suggestions on how to fix it?

Ok, let me get this straight. You really dislike Utah, right? (j/k).

Wow. I need my wife to read this so she can realize I'm not so bad.

I love football more than any other earthly thing that there is, but this sounds like it effects you beyond the earthly realm. Take some time off, take a vacation from football. Bronco Mendenhall has said that football is secondary to real life. Take a lesson from that.