Table of Contents
Early History and Origins
When Tom Holmoe arrived in Provo to play football in 1978, his understanding of the BYU-Utah rivalry was minimal. Coming from Southern California, where he watched the USC-UCLA rivalry with his brother playing for the Bruins, Holmoe was about to experience something entirely different.
“It was a cold day, but it was hot on the field,” recalled Holmoe, who has served as BYU’s athletic director since 2005. That day marked the end of BYU’s six-game winning streak in the rivalry, teaching Holmoe his first lesson about the intensity of this historic matchup.
The Evolution of a Rivalry
The rivalry’s first meeting took place in 1896, and for most of its history, it was played as a conference game. The schools moved together through various conferences:
- Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (early years)
- Skyline Conference (1938)
- Western Athletic Conference (1962)
- Mountain West Conference (1999)
Conference Realignment Impact
The rivalry faced its first major challenge when Utah departed for the Pac-12 in 2011, leaving BYU to embark on an independence journey. This separation introduced new dynamics to the rivalry:
- Games moved from November to September
- First extended breaks since World War II
- Changed recruiting dynamics in the state
“I think Utah tried to diminish it a little bit, because now they were in the big leagues and BYU wasn’t,” said former BYU AD Val Hale, who is writing a book about his 24 years in the athletic department.
Iconic Moments in Rivalry History
The Color War
One of the unique aspects of this rivalry is that both teams wear their home uniforms: Utah in red, BYU in blue. This tradition, initiated by Tom Holmoe, was inspired by the USC-UCLA rivalry and began in 2011.
Memorable Games
- The 1999 Fan Incident A BYU fan attempted to tackle a Utah cheerleader, leading to a memorable sideline scuffle witnessed by 65,000 fans.
- The 2012 Triple Rush Utah fans rushed the field three times during their 24-21 upset of then-No. 25 BYU:
- First rush: Premature celebration with 1 second remaining
- Second rush: During a missed 51-yard field goal attempt
- Third rush: After the final missed field goal
- Beck to Harline (2006) John Beck’s famous touchdown pass to Jonny Harline on the final play became known as the “Answered Prayer.”
- The Streak Breaker (2021) BYU ended Utah’s eight-game winning streak with a 26-17 victory, marking a significant shift in the rivalry’s momentum.
The 2024 Showdown
Recent Game Analysis
In their latest matchup, No. 9 BYU stunned Utah 22-21 with a dramatic finish. Key highlights include:
- Will Ferrin’s go-ahead 44-yard field goal with three seconds remaining
- A crucial fourth-down holding penalty against Utah’s Zemaiah Vaughn
- Jake Retzlaff’s clutch 30-yard completion to Chase Roberts
- BYU’s defense holding Utah to just 25 plays in the second half
Big 12 Championship Implications
The victory kept BYU’s perfect season intact, making them one of just three undefeated power conference teams alongside Oregon and Indiana. The win puts them in prime position for:
- Big 12 Championship game berth
- Potential College Football Playoff consideration
- Conference title implications with two games remaining
Current State of Both Programs
BYU’s Resurgence
- Currently ranked No. 9 in the College Football Playoff rankings
- 6-0 in conference play
- Led by dynamic quarterback Jake Retzlaff
Utah’s Challenges
- Struggling with a 4-4 record (1-4 in conference)
- Dealing with key injuries, including QB Cameron Rising
- Recent departure of offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig
Game Day Information
How to Watch
- Date: Saturday, 8:15 p.m. MDT
- Venue: Rice-Eccles Stadium
- TV: ESPN
- Radio: ESPN 700 AM/92.1 FM, KSL 1160 AM/102.7 FM
Weather Conditions
Mostly clear with temperatures in the high 30s at kickoff, dropping to mid-30s by game’s end.
Key Players to Watch
Head-to-Head Record (Last 10 Games)
| Year | Winner | Score | Location | Notable Moment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | BYU | 22-21 | Rice-Eccles | Will Ferrin’s game-winning FG |
| 2021 | BYU | 26-17 | LaVell Edwards | Ended Utah’s 9-game streak |
| 2019 | Utah | 30-12 | LaVell Edwards | Utah’s defense dominated |
| 2018 | Utah | 35-27 | Rice-Eccles | Utah’s late comeback |
| 2017 | Utah | 19-13 | LaVell Edwards | Defensive battle |
| 2016 | Utah | 20-19 | Rice-Eccles | Last-minute Utah stop |
| 2015 | Utah | 35-28 | Las Vegas Bowl | 5 BYU turnovers |
| 2013 | Utah | 20-13 | LaVell Edwards | Utah’s goal-line stand |
| 2012 | Utah | 24-21 | Rice-Eccles | Triple field rush game |
| 2011 | Utah | 54-10 | LaVell Edwards | BYU’s 7 turnovers |
2024 Game Statistics
| Category | BYU | Utah |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 358 | 267 |
| Passing Yards | 228 | 112 |
| Rushing Yards | 130 | 155 |
| First Downs | 21 | 15 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 2 |
| Time of Possession | 32:45 | 27:15 |
| 3rd Down Conv. | 7/14 | 4/12 |
Key Player Statistics (2024 Game)
BYU Players
| Player | Position | Stats | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jake Retzlaff | QB | 228 yds, 2 TD | Game-winning drive |
| LJ Martin | RB | 105 yds, 1 TD | First 100+ yard game |
| Chase Roberts | WR | 89 yds, 1 TD | Crucial 30-yard catch |
| Tyler Batty | DE | 2 sacks | Defensive captain |
Utah Players
| Player | Position | Stats | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brandon Rose | QB | 112 yds, 2 TD | First rivalry start |
| Jaylon Glover | RB | 85 yds | Led team rushing |
| Brant Kuithe | TE | 1 TD | Key red zone target |
| Zemaiah Vaughn | DB | 5 tackles | Critical penalty |
BYU
- QB Jake Retzlaff: Recently named to Davey O’Brien and Maxwell Award midseason watch lists
- RB LJ Martin: Coming off a 100+ yard performance against UCF
- WR Chase Roberts: Crucial in late-game situations
Utah
- QB Brandon Rose: Making his first rivalry game start
- RB Jaylon Glover: Key component of Utah’s ground game
- Defense: Allowing just 21.5 points per game
Looking Ahead
The rivalry’s return to conference play marks a new chapter in its storied history. With both teams now in the Big 12, the stakes are higher than ever, particularly for BYU’s championship aspirations.
Historical Records
All-Time Series Leaders
| Category | Player | Team | Record | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passing Yards | Ty Detmer | BYU | 1,211 | 1988-91 |
| Rushing Yards | Eddie Johnson | Utah | 688 | 1984-88 |
| Receiving Yards | Austin Collie | BYU | 721 | 2004-08 |
| Total TDs | Luke Staley | BYU | 8 | 1999-01 |
| Interceptions | Eric Weddle | Utah | 6 | 2003-06 |
Biggest Margins of Victory
| Year | Winner | Score | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | BYU | 70-31 | 39 |
| 2011 | Utah | 54-10 | 44 |
| 1983 | BYU | 55-7 | 48 |
| 1977 | Utah | 38-8 | 30 |
| 1996 | BYU | 37-17 | 20 |
Venue Records
LaVell Edwards Stadium (BYU Home)
| Category | Record | Player/Team | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most Points | 70 | BYU | 1988 |
| Most Yards | 582 | BYU | 1983 |
| Most TDs | 9 | BYU | 1988 |
Rice-Eccles Stadium (Utah Home)
| Category | Record | Player/Team | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most Points | 54 | Utah | 2004 |
| Most Yards | 548 | Utah | 2004 |
| Most TDs | 7 | Utah | 2004 |
Notable Individual Game Performances
| Player | Team | Performance | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| John Beck | BYU | 375 yds, 4 TD | 2006 |
| Alex Smith | Utah | 359 yds, 3 TD | 2004 |
| Luke Staley | BYU | 207 rush yds, 3 TD | 2001 |
| Eric Weddle | Utah | 3 INT, 1 TD | 2006 |
| Max Hall | BYU | 389 yds, 5 TD | 2009 |
Quick Facts
- All-time series record: Utah leads 62-35-4
- Longest win streak: Utah (9 games, 2010-2019)
- Most recent meeting: BYU 22, Utah 21 (2024)
- Conference: Big 12 (Both teams)
Conclusion
The BYU-Utah rivalry is one of the most intense and historic rivalries in college football. With a history dating back to 1896, the two teams have been battling it out on the gridiron for over 125 years. The rivalry has seen its fair share of ups and downs, with both teams experiencing periods of dominance and drought. However, the rivalry remains strong, with both teams always looking to come out on top. The recent move to the Big 12 Conference has added a new layer of excitement to the rivalry, with both teams looking to establish themselves as a force in the conference.
In conclusion, the BYU-Utah rivalry is a must-watch for any college football fan. The intensity, passion, and history of the rivalry make it a unique and exciting experience. Whether you’re a fan of BYU or Utah, the rivalry is sure to provide plenty of excitement and drama.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the history of the rivalry?
The rivalry dates back to 1896, when the two teams first met on the gridiron. The rivalry has a long and storied history, with both teams experiencing periods of dominance and drought.
- What is the current state of the rivalry?
The rivalry is currently in a state of transition, with both teams having recently joined the Big 12 Conference. The move has added a new layer of excitement to the rivalry, with both teams looking to establish themselves as a force in the conference.
- What is the significance of the rivalry?
The rivalry is significant because it is one of the oldest and most historic rivalries in college football. The rivalry is also significant because it pits two teams from the same state against each other, adding a local flavor to the matchup.
- Who has won the most games in the rivalry?
Utah has won the most games in the rivalry, with a record of 62-35-4.
- What is the highest-scoring game in the rivalry?
The highest-scoring game in the rivalry was the 1988 matchup between BYU and Utah, which BY won 70-31.
- What is the lowest-scoring game in the rivalry?
The lowest-scoring game in the rivalry was the 1977 matchup between BY and Utah, which Utah won 10-7.
- Have there been any notable upsets in the rivalry?
Yes, there have been several notable upsets in the rivalry, including BY’s 22-21 win over Utah in 2024.
- What is the attendance record for the rivalry?
The attendance record for the rivalry is 64,749, which was set in 2019 at LaVell Edwards Stadium.
- Have there been any notable individual performances in the rivalry?
Yes, there have been several notable individual performances in the rivalry, including John Beck’s 375-yard, 4-touchdown performance for BY in 2006.
- What is the future of the rivalry?
The future of the rivalry is bright, with both teams looking to establish themselves as a force in the Big 12 Conference. The rivalry is sure to continue to provide plenty of excitement and drama in the years to come.
Related Resources
📚 Official Team Websites
🏈 Historical Archives
📺 Media Coverage
- ESPN College Football
- KSL Sports (Local Coverage)
- Deseret News Sports Section
- Salt Lake Tribune Sports
📱 Social Media Accounts
- BY Football: @BYUfootball
- Utah Football: @Utah_Football
- Big 12 Conference: @Big12Conference
📊 Statistical Resources
🎥 Video Content