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Show Wednesday, November Similar records, different methods Bubba Brown STAFF WRITER Since Kyle Whittingham and Bronco Mendenhall took over their respective programs in 2005, Utah and BYU have been two of the top teams in the nation. Whittingham's Utes have accumulated a 46-16 record in his tenure, and Mendenhall has led the Cougars to a 47-15 mark in the same span. However, the two schools have compiled these remarkably similar records in different fashions. In Whittingham's first three years, the Utes were mediocre, winning seven, eight and nine games in those seasons before jumping to 13 wins in last season's BCS-busting campaign. This season, the Utes can secure a second straight 10-win season with a victory over BYU or a win in their bowl game. Utah has spent the past two seasons in the polls, entering them after a win over Michigan in its first game last season. The Utes have been ranked ever since. Whittingham credits the success to the players. "It just goes back to preparation," he said. "Our guys do such a good job Monday through' Friday." During the past five seasons, the Utes have been defined by big wins. Since 2005, Utah has played in its share of big games and usually come out on top. The Utes have gone 4-0 in bowl games, including wins over Alabama in the Sugar Bowl and Georgia Tech in the Emerald Bowl. In 10 games against BCS foes, Utah has gone 7-3. Senior safety Robert Johnson said he believes the Utes don't do anything different in perceived big games. "We play the way we normally play," Johnson said. "Some people feel we step up and play big, but that's how we always play." \ During the same period, the Cous gars have been one of the most con? sistent teams in the nation. After! posting a 6-6 record in 2005, BYU] has posted three consecutive 10-win years, winning 11 games in both 2006 and 2007 and winning 10 games last See RIVALRY Page~5 ' |