The rivalry between BYU and Utah is known for a lot of things. There have been great coaching matchups, close games and even plenty of trash talk. But none of it would make a difference if players didn’t step up on the field and make the games into the classics that many of them have turned out to be. And believe me, there is no shortage of players who have come up big when needed the most.

Here is a look at the best-of-the-best of those players on the offense — the guys who stepped up in the biggest spots and had the best performances in one of the most heated and entertaining rivalries in college football.

Note: These teams are based solely on what the players did in the rivalry games that they played in. No other parts of their careers were taken into account.

Quarterback

Starter

Jim McMahon, BYU (1977-81)

McMahon had huge games against the Utes as a junior and a senior as the Cougars came away with a pair of big victories. His best showing came in 1981 when he threw for 565 yards and four touchdowns in a 28-point win.

Backups

Marc Wilson, BYU (1975-79)

Wilson was at the top of his game when he played the Utes. His best performance came in 1977 when he completed 26 of 41 passes for an NCAA single-game record 571 yards and five touchdowns.

Ty Detmer, BYU (1988-91)

The 1990 Heisman Trophy winner won three of his four games with the Utes while throwing for 1,425 yards and 16 touchdowns. He also did some damage with his legs as he collected a pair of rushing scores.

Best Utah option

Mike McCoy (1992-94)

McCoy had great success against the Cougars as he helped the Utes beat BYU in back-to-back years. His biggest statistical day came in the 34-31 win over the Cougars in 1993 when he completed 29 of 47 passes for 434 yards and three touchdowns.

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