FRISCO, Texas — The rivalry between Utah and BYU is one of the best in the country, providing intense and memorable matchups more often than not.
The two schools, separated by just 48 miles, can’t even agree on the number of games played in the historical football series — Utah says it leads the series 62-37-4, with the rivalry starting when BYU was Brigham Young Academy, while BYU says the rivals have played 97 games.
The passion between the two fanbases is what makes the rivalry great, but occasionally, poor behavior mars the series.
In 2024, a Utah fan was arrested after throwing a water bottle that struck a BYU cheer coach in the head, and just last year, a man was arrested for threatening to shoot Utah fans at the BYU-Utah game.
At Big 12 media day Wednesday, new Utah head coach Morgan Scalley was asked what he hopes to change about the culture of the rivalry.
“Well, I think the Utah-BYU rivalry is one of the best in the country, honestly. I have so much respect for (BYU coach Kalani Sitake) and his staff, a lot of his staff I’ve worked with. But it’s definitely a mutual respect,” Scalley said.
Scalley was on staff with BYU coach Kalani Sitake at Utah from 2006-14. Sitake called Utah’s defense from 2009-14.
While there’s always going to be extremes on both sides, Sitake and Scalley aim to lead by example to turn the rivalry temperature down.
“You’re always going to have the extremes. That’s the unfortunate part is you’re going to have those extremes where people are doing stuff that you’re not proud about,” Scalley said. “I just think the way Kalani and I model our relationship with one another and the respect we have for each other and our programs should lead the way.”
The Utes and Cougars will meet Nov. 7 at Rice-Eccles Stadium for the annual rivalry clash. BYU is riding a three-game winning streak in the rivalry.
Last season, the Utah-BYU matchup played a pivotal role in the Big 12 title race, and if things break right for both schools in 2026, it could once again.
“You’re always going to have the extremes. That’s the unfortunate part is you’re going to have those extremes where people are doing stuff that you’re not proud about. I just think the way Kalani and I model our relationship with one another and the respect we have for each other and our programs should lead the way.”
— Utah head coach Morgan Scalley
Scalley praised both BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier and running back LJ Martin on Wednesday when asked how he would prepare for them.
“The same that you would prepare for any dual-threat quarterback or tough running back. I have the utmost respect for those guys. They are very difficult to defend because Bear can run the ball, he can throw the ball,” Scalley said. “LJ, his contact balance, his patience. There’s a lot to like about both those players.
“You scheme the best you can. It’s all about behavior. It’s not necessarily about scheme. A lot of the issues that we had last year in that game were mistackles, behavior issues. So that’s one of those deals that we got to shore up.”
Asked Tuesday about the rivalry, Sitake was quick to praise Scalley.
“Morgan Scalley is a good friend of mine. We worked together for a decade at Utah when I was coaching there. I was great friends with Kyle Whittingham, too. Kyle Whittingham leaves, and another great friend of mine is the head coach at Utah. Nothing has really changed there,” Sitake said.
In terms of changing the culture around the rivalry, Sitake said that we should celebrate the positive aspects of the annual duel.
“I think we celebrate some of the really cool things that are happening with the rivalry game,” Sitake said. “For some reason a lot of the negative stuff gets all the attention, but there are some really cool, positive moments and families that are on both sides.
“I mean, I have family members that graduated from Utah and family members that graduated from BYU. That’s what actually makes it intense and fun is that it affects households,” he continued. “You know what I mean? The respect level and the love, I mean, I don’t know if there’s going to be anything different. We’ve always respected and loved our rivals. I think they feel the same way about us. I know I was there. I think that’s what makes it even more fun.”
