It’s a good year to be a Utah fan, and watching them play football is my favorite type of outdoor recreation. OK, OK. Merely spectating isn’t always considered recreating, but after I watch a game, I am inspired to go out in a field with my friends and throw a few passes. The Utes have climbed to No. 7 in the BCS standings and No. 1 in the Mountain West Conference after their 13-10 win over TCU. With only two games left in the regular season, the Utes are looking to see how high they can climb.

San Diego State is next on the schedule. This should be a no brainer for the Ute defense which is one of the best in the nation. BYU is the last game of the season and it will all rest on that night’s performance. Both teams are undefeated this season at home which means the Cougars will have their hands full when they step onto Rice-Eccles stadium. “The Holy War” (as it is known to football fans) has at least a century of history behind it (neither team agrees as to when the first game was actually played). Utah has the winning record of 53-33-4; however BYU has won the last two years in a row. When I watch these teams play, it immediately inspires me to hit the great outdoors and practice my own skills.

The Holy War is nearly upon us. The past two years BYU has bested the University of Utah in their football rivalry, but Ute fans are hoping this year will be different. The two teams will go head to head on Nov. 22 to a sold out crowd in Salt Lake City. Utah, who is 10-0 in the Mountain West division, has a powerhouse defense they hope will be the key to a win over the 10-1 BYU.

The Holy War, which got its name due to both universities’ strong ties to the LDS church, is one of college football’s longest rivalries. The competition between the two teams is so heated neither can agree on when the first Holy War game was fought. Utah contends the first match was in 1896 against then named Brigham Young Academy. BYU sports fans argue the first match didn’t actually happen until 1922. You know its a heated rivalry when the two sides can’t even agree on their first match.

The best places to watch a college game are those that have enough space for everyone who wants to attend, yet at the same time are crowded enough to provide all the jostling, cheering elbow-to-elbow excitement fans expect.

They should also have a surplus of mouth-watering, cholesterol-spiking edibles like hotdogs, nachos, popcorn, pretzels, etc. And don’t forget the drinks. Beer on tap is the best way to go, especially if the venue lets you double-fist it.

The Palestra