Top-Ranked Rivalry Matchup
The No. 3 Utah football team returns to Rice-Eccles Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 7, to host No. 7 BYU in a high-stakes in-state rivalry matchup scheduled for a 10 a.m. MT kickoff. The contest, which will be broadcast nationally on ABC, marks the first time in the history of the rivalry that both teams enter the game ranked inside the Top 10 of the AP Poll.
Historical Context
The upcoming game represents the 104th meeting between the Utes and the Cougars. This matchup also serves as the third time the two programs have faced one another as members of the Big 12 Conference. Entering the game, Utah holds a 62-37-4 all-time advantage over BYU.
Dominant Season Start
The University of Utah enters the rivalry game with an 8-0 record, marking the first time the program has started a season with eight consecutive wins since 2010. This performance ties the program's previous eight-game opening streaks achieved in 1930, 1994, 2004, 2008, and 2010. Additionally, Utah currently holds a 14-game winning streak dating back to the 2025 season, which stands as the longest active winning streak in the FBS.
Offensive Dominance
The Utes' offense has demonstrated significant efficiency, with six of their eight wins this season occurring by a margin of 14 or more points. This feat ties Utah with Georgia, LSU, Notre Dame, and UCLA for the most such victories in the Power 4. Throughout the 2026 campaign, Utah has maintained an average margin of victory of +23 points per game, with only two of their eight victories being decided by a single possession.
Dampier Sets Records
Quarterback Devon Dampier has achieved several milestones during the current season. Dampier has become Utah's all-time leading rusher for a quarterback at Cincinnati, recording 1,228 career rushing yards. As a starter for the Utes over the last two seasons, he holds an 18-2 record and a .900 winning percentage, which ranks as the best in the FBS. Dampier is also noted as one of only nine FBS quarterbacks this season to maintain a passing efficiency of 150 or better while totaling 350 or more rushing yards. He remains the only FBS quarterback to both pass and rush for 150 yards against a ranked opponent in 2026.
Defensive Statistics
Defensively, the Utes have limited opponents to a total of 102 points, averaging 15.9 points allowed per game. This defensive performance ranks 15th in the FBS and 3rd in the Big 12. The program's passing efficiency defense ranks sixth in the FBS and leads the Big 12 with a rating of 105.96. Meanwhile, the rushing defense has allowed 101.4 yards per game, a significant improvement from the 181.2 yards per game allowed in 2025.
Statistical Consistency
Utah's offensive consistency is highlighted by recording at least 200 passing yards and 130 rushing yards in all eight games played this season. Since 2000, the only other FBS team to start a season with nine consecutive games meeting those specific statistical benchmarks while winning every game was Boise State in 2010.
Broadcast Details
The matchup will feature a broadcast team on ABC including play-by-play announcer Dave Pasch, analyst Dusty Dvoracek, and sideline reporter Taylor McGregor. For those listening on the radio, ESPN 700 AM and 92.1 FM will provide coverage with Bill Riley on play-by-play, Steven Sylvester as the analyst, and Zack Moss on the sidelines.
