This article was first published as the Ute Insiders newsletter. Sign up to receive the newsletter in your inbox each Wednesday night.
It’s rivalry week — and it’s the last one we’ll see for a while.
Utah and BYU collide Saturday (8:15 p.m. MDT, ESPN) in Provo. It’s the first meeting between the two programs since 2019 and it’s the last time they are scheduled to meet until 2024.
It will mark the first time fans will be allowed to watch a game at LaVell Edwards Stadium since the 2019 season.
The Utes have won nine consecutive games against the Cougars, tying the longest streak by either team in the centurylong history of the rivalry. Utah is vying for its 10th straight win against BYU.
Last Thursday at Rice-Eccles Stadium, the Utes opened the season with a 40-17 victory over Weber State and now, coach Kyle Whittingham is looking for a lot of improvement as they visit the Cougars Saturday.
Numbers game
16-6: Not only has Utah won nine in a row over BYU, this is the Utes’ record against the Cougars over the last 22 meetings.
57: Yards allowed rushing by Utah’s defense against Weber State.
262: Passing yards by Utah quarterbacks Charlie Brewer and Cam Rising against Weber State.
From the archives
Extra points
- Evaluating all 4 Utah running backs (Deseret News)
- What went right and wrong for the Utes (Deseret News)
- 2 weather delays in 3 years in opener for Utes (Deseret News)
- Is Pac-12 South better than the Pac-12 North? (Deseret News)
- Utes jump to No. 18 in AP poll (Deseret News)
Fanalyst
Comments from Deseret News readers
“The team that wins this week is the team that was able to make the best adjustments and improvements over week 1. Neither BYU nor Utah played particularly well in game one. Both made errors and had production issues. BYU has the home-field advantage and will likely be pumped over an invitation to the Big 12. That is likely worth 7-10 points. On paper, Utah is better, so we’ll see if they play well enough to overcome BYU’s advantages. I’m looking forward to a good game.”
— ricwhite
“I’m actually surprised that the Utes are only a 7-point favorite — however Utah didn’t look impeccable against Weber. BYU showed up in the 2nd quarter — the rest of the game was inconsistent and questionable. If BYU shows up like they did in the 2nd quarter then it would be a game if the Utes show their best also. Utah beat Weber State, and needed to wear them down before putting them away — which wasn’t a great showing either. The 1st half was OK but not great considering the competition. There are aspects of both teams that looked wonderful, and some play on both teams that were very unremarkable. The 1st quarter Cougars would lose to the 1st half Utes — but the 2nd quarter Cougars would beat the 1st half Utes. I give a big advantage to the Utes, but BYU showed that they can play. My worry for my Cougars is that they need to put more together than the Utes do. I also think that the BYU defense plays scared way too much and that gives them a weakness against a team that does power runs. Statistics put the game at 7 points or less, my eyes don’t.”
— Josh
Up next
Sept. 9 | 6 p.m. | Soccer | vs. BYU | @Salt Lake City | Pac-12 Network
Sept. 9 | 7 p.m. | Volleyball | vs. Weber State | @Salt Lake City | Utah Live Stream
Sept. 11 | 8:15 p.m. | Football | vs, BYU | @Provo | ESPN
Sept. 12 | 3 p.m. | Soccer | vs. Dixie State | @Salt Lake City | Pac-12 Network