No. 3 Utah hosts No. 7 BYU at Rice-Eccles Stadium on Saturday in a high-stakes matchup that could determine a spot in the Dec. 4 Big 12 championship game in Arlington, Texas. The rivalry showdown, known as the Holy War, carries significant implications for the College Football Playoff, as both teams seek to maintain their positions near the top of the conference standings.
High Stakes for Big 12 Standings
The game is scheduled to kick off at 10 a.m. local time to accommodate a noon time slot for television viewers on the East Coast. Utah head coach Morgan Scalley said despite the early start, the fan base is expected to be juiced and excited for the contest. BYU head coach Kalani Sitake noted the early hour is a little bit different but expressed confidence that his players are focused and have put more energy into preparation for this game than ever before.
Both programs enter the matchup with significant momentum. The Utes hold an 8-0 record and are 5-0 in Big 12 play, while the Cougars are 7-1 and 4-1 in the conference. The game serves as a critical juncture for the Big 12, which is the only Power 4 conference that has never had multiple teams in the College Football Playoff. Currently, Utah is ranked third in the CFP rankings, while BYU holds the ninth spot. Texas Tech, ranked 15th, also remains a factor in the conference race, as the Red Raiders are 7-1 and 4-1 in the Big 12.
A Rivalry Reunited
The rivalry has entered a new era following the recent realignment that brought the two schools back into the same conference. For thirteen seasons, the schools competed on different trajectories after Utah joined the Pac-12 in 2011 and BYU became an FBS independent. During that period, Utah gained advantages in recruiting, television revenue, and resources, including a streak of nine consecutive wins over the Cougars from 2010 to 2018.
Since 2024, the gap has narrowed significantly. BYU has a 30-5 record in that span, while Utah has gone 24-9. The proximity of the two campuses, located only 45 miles apart, continues to fuel the intensity of the matchup. BYU defensive tackle Bodie Schoonover noted the deep roots of the rivalry in the local community, where neighbors are often split between Utah and BYU fans.
Intertwined Coaching Histories
The coaching staffs of both programs feature intertwined histories. Both Morgan Scalley and Kalani Sitake are coaching at their alma maters. Sitake was a fullback under former BYU coach Lavelle Edwards, while Scalley was a safety and punt returner for the Utes. The two coaches previously served together on the staff of former Utah coach Kyle Whittingham, who stepped down last December after setting a school record with 177 wins before being hired at Michigan.
Several other staff members have crossed the rivalry lines. BYU offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick and Sitake both served as coordinators under Whittingham at Utah. Additionally, defensive assistant coaches Justin Ena, Sione Po’uha, and Chad Kauha’aha’a held coaching roles with the Utes before joining the Cougars. Conversely, Utah offensive coordinator Kevin McGiven and running backs coach Mark Atuaia both previously coached at BYU.
Community and Recruitment Impact
The intensity of the Holy War is often reflected in the narrow margins of victory. Only four of the last 25 games in the series have been decided by double digits. BYU defensive end Keanu Tanuvasa, who played for Utah before transferring to Provo in 2025, observed that both programs are 'cut from the same cloth,' noting the similarities in how both teams build their programs.
Utah quarterback Devon Dampier said the rivalry is a constant presence in his life, stating that he could not go anywhere during the offseason without hearing about the game. The matchup is expected to draw significant interest from local recruits, with more than 50 recruits expected to be in attendance at Rice-Eccles Stadium on Saturday, many of whom hold scholarship offers from both institutions.
Postseason Implications and Schedules
The remainder of the season presents challenging schedules for the top contenders in the Big 12. Utah, which has won 14 straight games—the longest active streak in the FBS—faces Arizona and TCU before hosting West Virginia to conclude the regular season. BYU has upcoming games against Baylor and Cincinnati, with a road contest against Kansas sandwiched between them.
Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire emphasized the importance of the current weekend for college football, noting the significance of playoff implications. The Red Raiders, who recently beat No. 24 Arizona, must finish in the top 11 to secure a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff, as the 12th spot is reserved for the highest-ranked Group of Six team, currently Boise State at No. 20.
