The No. 3 ranked Utah football team is set to host No. 9 BYU at Rice-Eccles Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 7, in a high-stakes rivalry matchup that carries potential implications for the Big 12 Championship and College Football Playoff berths. The game, scheduled for a 10 a.m. MT kickoff, marks the 104th meeting between the two programs and the first time both teams have entered a matchup ranked within the Top 10 of the AP Poll.
High Stakes for Top 10 Rivals
The matchup between the Utes and the Cougars represents a significant milestone in the series, which is now in its third season of competition within the Big 12 Conference. Utah enters the contest with an 8-0 record, marking the first time the program has started a season with eight consecutive victories since 2010. The Utes' current winning streak has reached 14 games, spanning back to the 2025 season, which stands as the longest active winning streak in the FBS.
National Broadcast Details
The game will be broadcast nationally on ABC, with commentary provided by Dave Pasch, Dusty Dvoracek, and Taylor McGregor. Local coverage will be available on ESPN 700 AM and 92.1 FM, featuring Bill Riley, Steven Sylvester, and Zack Moss. According to the University of Utah Athletics department, Utah holds a 62-37-4 all-time advantage in the series against BYU.
Statistical Dominance
Utah's offensive and defensive statistics highlight a dominant season. The Utes have outscored opponents by 83 points in the first quarter this season, recording the highest point differential in the FBS for that period. Defensively, Utah has allowed just 102 total points through eight games, an average of 15.9 points per game. The program's passing efficiency defense ranks sixth in the FBS and leads the Big 12 with a 105.96 rating.
Key Player Performances
Quarterback Devon Dampier has set a new program record during the 2026 campaign, becoming Utah's all-time leading rusher for a quarterback with 1,228 career rushing yards. Dampier, who holds a .900 winning percentage as a starter over the last two seasons, is noted by the University of Utah as the only FBS quarterback to both pass and rush for 150 yards against a ranked opponent in 2026. Additionally, linebacker Elijah Davis was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week following a performance that included a pick-six.
Coach Scalley on the Rivalry
University of Utah head football coach Morgan Scalley addressed the upcoming matchup during a weekly press conference held on Monday, Nov. 2. Scalley expressed respect for BYU head coach Kalani Sitake, describing him as a "dear friend" and an "ultimate competitor." Scalley noted that while the rivalry is significant, the team remains focused on the immediate task, stating, "No one owes you anything. You go earn it every single day."
Historical Reflections
Scalley also reflected on personal history with the rivalry, recalling a significant victory over BYU that allowed Utah to play in the Fiesta Bowl. He described the intense atmosphere of that game, noting that fans rushed the field and threw chips into the air. He also recalled a previous conference championship victory in Provo, which he described as the coldest game he has ever experienced, noting that many drivers were sliding off the roads while traveling back to Salt Lake City.
Team Outlook and Injuries
The upcoming game comes following Utah's recent victory over Cincinnati, a win that improved the Utes to 8-0. During his press conference, Scalley noted that the team must address specific areas for improvement, including second-half run fits and special teams performance, specifically regarding kickoff returns. He also confirmed that player Kelvin Obot is out for the remainder of the season due to a lower leg injury.
