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Top 25 Clash: BYU Hosts Utah in Key Showdown

10/18/2025

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Summary

BYU Hosts Utah

No. 15 Brigham Young University hosts No. 23 Utah at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Saturday.
BYU is 6-0 and Utah is 5-1 this season.
This marks the first Top 25 meeting since 2009.
BYU's Bear Bachmeier is the freshman quarterback, and Utah's Devon Dampier is the dual-threat quarterback.
Turnovers could decide the game, as both teams show similar statistics and the result has Big 12 title implications.

Summary

Coaches' Rivalry Connection

The No. 15 BYU and No. 23 Utah rivalry on Saturday features extensive coaching ties between the programs.
BYU coach Kalani Sitake and Utah coach Kyle Whittingham share history, with many assistants having played or coached for the opposing side.
Sitake credits his BYU success to lessons learned under Whittingham, and both teams aim to leverage these coaching ties for a competitive edge.

History

Historical Context

The BYU Cougars and Utah Utes have a storied rivalry dating back to 1896, intensifying in the 2000s with significant matchups impacting conference standings. In 2009, Utah won the last meeting before a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Their 2021 clash marked BYU's first victory over Utah since 2009, ending a nine-game losing streak and reigniting the competitive spirit of the "Holy War."

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BYU Hosts Utah

No. 15 Brigham Young University hosts No. 23 Utah at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Saturday.
BYU is 6-0 and Utah is 5-1 this season.
This marks the first Top 25 meeting since 2009.
BYU's Bear Bachmeier is the freshman quarterback, and Utah's Devon Dampier is the dual-threat quarterback.
Turnovers could decide the game, as both teams show similar statistics and the result has Big 12 title implications.

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