The iconic “Holy War” rivalry reignites this Saturday night in Provo as No. 15 BYU hosts No. 23 Utah, marking the first time since 2009 that both in-state foes enter the contest as ranked opponents. With Big 12 conference implications and long-standing bragging rights on the line, this matchup promises intense action, featuring a compelling quarterback showdown and a deep narrative rooted in coaching lineage and intense fan passion.
The highly anticipated “Holy War” rivalry between BYU and Utah is set to electrify Provo this Saturday night. For the first time in 16 years, the historic in-state rivals will face off as ranked opponents, with No. 15 BYU hosting No. 23 Utah. This clash carries immense significance, not just for regional bragging rights, but also for the teams’ trajectories within the Big 12 Conference.
The Storied Rivalry Renewed with Elevated Stakes
The rivalry, often dubbed the “Holy War,” spans over a century, with the two universities located just 50 miles apart in Utah. Their last encounter as ranked foes was in November 2009, when No. 19 BYU secured a dramatic 26-23 overtime victory over No. 21 Utah in Provo. That game left an indelible mark on the rivalry’s rich history, a narrative that continues to evolve.
Historically, Utah holds a commanding lead in the series with a record of 62-36-4. However, BYU has seen a recent resurgence, snapping Utah’s nine-game winning streak in 2021 with a 26-17 triumph. The Cougars further solidified their recent dominance by winning last season’s contest 22-21 in Salt Lake City. This Saturday marks only their second Big 12 conference game against each other, adding another layer of importance to an already intense matchup.
A Clash of Coaching Philosophies and Deep Connections
The sideline battle will feature a compelling dynamic between two coaches with deep ties. Utah’s Kyle Whittingham, a BYU alum in his 21st year as head coach for the Utes, will face off against his former protégé, Kalani Sitake, who spent a decade on Whittingham’s staff at Utah. Their shared history doesn’t diminish the intensity, but it does foster a mutual respect.
Sitake openly acknowledged this bond, stating, “Whether we want to admit it or not, we actually need each other. As I have said before, wishing bad things on others is not good for the soul. It has got to be a lot more fun when you can actually talk about the respect that you have for each other and that there is connection from both sides.” This sentiment underscores the unique nature of the “Holy War,” a rivalry built on proximity, competition, and shared football heritage.
Quarterback Showdown: Bachmeier vs. Dampier
The game will feature a captivating battle between two talented quarterbacks who are making significant impacts for their respective teams.
- BYU’s Bear Bachmeier: The freshman sensation has quickly become a cornerstone of the Cougars’ offense. He was recently named Big 12 Freshman of the Week for the third time this season after engineering a thrilling 33-27 double-overtime victory at Arizona. In that performance, Bachmeier threw for 172 yards, completing 12 of 29 passes for one touchdown, and impressively added 89 rushing yards on 22 carries with two critical touchdowns, including the game-winners.
- Utah’s Devon Dampier: A transfer from New Mexico, Dampier is a formidable dual-threat quarterback. He boasts a 71.5% completion rate, throwing for 1,131 yards with 11 touchdowns and three interceptions. On the ground, he has rushed for 378 yards on 65 carries, scoring five touchdowns. In Utah’s recent 42-10 dominant win over then-No. 21 Arizona State, Dampier showcased his rushing prowess with 120 yards on 10 carries and three touchdowns, complementing his 104 passing yards on 7-of-12 attempts. Dampier is also working with former BYU quarterback Jason Beck, who serves as Utah’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, a connection that adds another intriguing layer to the matchup.
Sitake expressed his admiration for Dampier, noting, “Super talented, and he’s tough, man. He has great vision, and that’s in the passing game and in the running game… He knows where to go with the ball, and he’s well-coached. There’s a reason why they brought him in. He looks really comfortable out there. Whatever you need him to do, he’s willing to do it. He’s super tough.”
Defensive Edge and Offensive Dynamics
BYU enters this contest with an impressive defensive record, especially in creating turnovers. The Cougars lead the Big 12 in takeaways with 18 and interceptions with 14, a testament to their opportunistic play. Eleven different players have recorded at least one interception, and four different players have recovered a fumble. This defensive prowess has propelled BYU to rank fourth nationally in pass efficiency defense (96.31). Coach Sitake emphasizes the importance of players focusing on their specific roles, stating, “You have to buy into your 1/11th. I think our guys are doing a great job at it.”
On offense, BYU has been highly effective, leading Big 12 opponents with an average of 37.6 points per game, even while averaging 391.8 total yards. They have only scored fewer than 34 points once this season. While Utah’s offense faced struggles earlier in the season, Dampier’s recent performances suggest a unit gaining momentum, capable of putting up significant points, as evidenced by their 42-point outing against Arizona State.
High Stakes and Fan Frenzy
This “Holy War” is more than just a rivalry game; it carries significant implications for the Big 12 Conference title race. For undefeated BYU (6-0, 3-0 Big 12), a victory would move them closer to clinching a spot in the Big 12 Championship game in their second year in the league. For Utah (5-1, 2-1 Big 12), it’s an opportunity to deal a significant blow to their rival’s title aspirations and continue their own climb up the conference standings, as seen in the official Big 12 Conference standings.
The intensity of the rivalry was recently highlighted by Utah running back Jaylon Glover’s controversial expletive directed at BYU, which he later apologized for, stating, “it doesn’t represent who I am or our program and was a lapse in my judgment. As a program, we respect every opponent we face, and we have respect for BYU and are excited to play them Saturday.” Such incidents only amplify the long-standing tension and passion surrounding this beloved contest.
As the countdown to Saturday night continues, all eyes will be on Provo to witness the latest chapter of the “Holy War,” a game that promises drama, high-level football, and lasting impact on the 2025 college football season, as reflected in the latest College Football Playoff rankings.
