The Big 12 title race enters a critical final month as No. 3 Utah prepares to host No. 7 BYU in a matchup that could determine participants for the conference championship game on Dec. 4 in Arlington, Texas. According to a November 3 report, the game is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. local time at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City to accommodate East Coast television viewers.
The contest features two programs striving to maintain their standings in a tight league race. The Utes currently hold an 8-0 record and are 5-0 in Big 12 play, while the Cougars are 7-1 overall and 4-1 in the conference. Both teams are joined in the pursuit of the top spot by No. 13 Texas Tech, which is 7-1 and 4-1 in conference play. A loss for either Utah or BYU could jeopardize their opportunities to play for a conference title or secure a position in the 12-team College Football Playoff.
Utah coach Morgan Scalley stated that his players are focused and will not look beyond the immediate task, despite the team holding a 14-game winning streak, the longest active streak in the FBS. BYU head coach Kalani Sitake noted that while the early start time is different, his players are prepared and showing increased energy and effort during preparations.
The rivalry between the two programs carries significant weight for the state. Utah quarterback Devon Dampier noted the importance of the matchup for the local community. The coaching matchup features two former colleagues; Scalley and Sitake previously worked together on the staff of former Utah coach Kyle Whittingham. Sitake served as a defensive coordinator, while Scalley was the safeties coach before they both transitioned to head coaching roles at their respective alma maters.
The implications for the College Football Playoff remain significant for the Big 12, which is the only Power 4 conference that has never had multiple teams in the playoff. In the most recent rankings released Tuesday night, Utah was ranked third, BYU was ninth, and Texas Tech was 15th. Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire noted that his team is within striking distance of the rankings but must finish in the top 11, as the 12th spot is expected to go to the highest-ranked Group of Six team, currently Boise State at No. 20.
The final month of the season presents a challenging schedule for the leaders. Utah's remaining schedule includes games against Arizona and TCU, followed by a regular season finale at home against West Virginia. BYU faces Baylor and Cincinnati, with a road game against Kansas in between. Texas Tech will play road games at Oklahoma State and Baylor before hosting TCU to conclude the season.
