It’s time for another edition of the Utah vs. BYU rivalry game.
Besides Utah’s 54-10 win in 2011 and Utah’s 30-12 win in 2019, the final score of eight of the last 10 rivalry games have been within 8 points or less.
As we gear up for the last game between the two schools until 2024, here’s who 30 college football experts are picking to win.
For Utah (24 of 30 total picks)
Pick: Utah
Reasoning: “It is such a shame the Holy War did not take place last season when Zach Wilson was at his peak for BYU. The Jaren Hall era got off to a mixed start in last week’s 24-16 win over Arizona. They’ll play better this week, but Utah quarterback Charlie Brewer is the real deal and could give the Cougars’ inexperienced defense fits. Utah 38, BYU 27.”
Pick: Utah
Reasoning: “This is a terrific rivalry. The Utes have won nine in a row and this is such an experienced, physical team, I don’t see the Cougars breaking that streak. Utah 20, BYU 10.”
Pick: Utah
Reasoning: “I’m not in love with the pick, but it’s hard to go against the Utes considering how dominant they’ve been in the series of late. Plus, as mentioned before, this is not the same Cougars team that went 11-1 last season. Some of those results were inflated thanks to a more manageable schedule than BYU typically plays (forced by the pandemic) and some of it is due to everything BYU lost. Right now, I have a higher level of confidence in the Utes, so that’s where I’d put my money.”
Pick: Utah
Reasoning: “The “Holy War” is back after a year off, and the Utes certainly benefited from avoiding BYU during quarterback Zach Wilson’s breakout year that led him to being the No. 2 pick in the NFL draft. Now the Cougars are in rebuild mode while the Utes are looking like a contender in the Pac-12 South, as always. BYU has a shot at home, but it’s hard to doubt Kyle Whittingham. Utah 28, BYU 21.”
Pick: Utah
Reasoning: “Both Utah and BYU were a little rough around the edges in their respective season openers and should be improved in Week 2. The problem for the Cougars is that the Utes have a considerable edge in all three phases of the game. BYU will play tough, inspired football. But so will Utah. And, ultimately, the talent gap in terms of quality depth and experience will favor the Utes as the game progresses. Utah’s odds of becoming the first team to win 10 straight games in the Holy War look quite favorable. Utah 30, BYU 17.”
Pick: Utah
Ross Dellenger, Sports Illustrated
Pick: Utah
Pick: Utah
Pick: Utah
Pick: Utah
Molly Geary, Sports Illustrated
Pick: Utah
John Garcia, Sports Illustrated
Pick: Utah
Richard Johnson, Sports Illustrated
Pick: Utah
Pick: Utah
Pick: Utah
Pick: Utah
Pick: Utah
Pick: Utah
Pick: Utah
Pick: Utah
Pick: Utah
Pick: Utah
Pick: Utah
Pick: Utah
For BYU (6 of 30 total picks)
Pick: BYU
Reasoning: “The Utes have won nine straight in the series, and that included a 30-12 victory in Provo in 2019. BYU’s Jaren Hall and Utah’s Charlie Brewer played well in their first starts last week, and this one will come down to which quarterback doesn’t make the big mistake. The rivalry returns in a big way.”
Pick: BYU
Pick: BYU
Pick: BYU
Pick: BYU
Pick: BYU