No. 9 BYU Game Day Preview, Score Prediction Against Utah
The phrase itself brings an added level of excitement. The stakes rise when one team is undefeated and pushing for a College Football Playoff spot.
No. 9 BYU, currently 8-0, will visit Rice-Eccles Stadium tonight for the first time since 2018 to face Utah, who sits at 4-4.
No. 9 BYU vs. Utah
Location: Rice-Eccles Stadium
Kickoff: 8:15 p.m. (MST)
Radio: KSL NewsRadio (102.7 FM, 1160 AM) — Extended pregame starts at 6 p.m.
Three Game Day Thoughts
1. Rivalry Performances Build Legacies
BYU vs. Utah games can elevate unknown players to fame or solidify the status of greats. BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff has a chance to cement his legacy with a win. While BYU’s success has been a team effort this season, Retzlaff’s recent national attention will focus the spotlight on him. A win would earn him the admiration of all BYU fans and solidify head coach Kalani Sitake’s reputation, as BYU hasn’t beaten Utah twice in a row since 2007. A victory in Salt Lake would also be a significant moment for Sitake.
2. Battle in the Trenches
Winning tonight will come down to physicality. Utah’s nine-game winning streak over BYU was built on dominance in the trenches. In 2021, BYU’s physical edge led them to victory over Utah. This season, BYU’s offensive and defensive lines have shown growth. Despite the absence of Connor Pay, Bruce Mitchell has stepped in effectively. The Lions face their toughest challenge yet against a healthier Utah defensive line, featuring Junior Tafuna, Connor O’Toole, and Keanu Tanuvasa. The Cougars’ defensive front, led by Blake Mangelson and John Nelson, will need to win battles against Utah’s tackles, while Utah’s interior line has been vulnerable.
3. Prevent Defensive Scoring
BYU must avoid turnovers leading to scores by Utah’s defense, a recurring issue in past losses to head coach Kyle Whittingham’s teams. With Utah fielding one of the weakest offenses in the Big 12, forcing them to score without defensive help will be crucial. BYU has excelled in turnover margin this season, tied for 16th nationally, a trend they need to maintain tonight.
Two Questions for BYU vs. Utah
1. How Will BYU Handle Utah’s Adjustments Post-Bye?
Last month, BYU struggled against Oklahoma State’s new strategies post-bye. BYU coach Kalani Sitake expects Utah to introduce changes and aims for his team to be prepared for anything. Brandon Rose, if starting, could present a new offensive look for Utah with his dual-threat capability, different from what BYU has seen on film. A strong start will be key for BYU.
2. Can BYU Run Effectively Against Utah’s Defense?
Running back LJ Martin has surpassed 100 yards in BYU’s last two games and brings composure needed for intense matchups like this. BYU has a history of utilizing him early in road games, which could set the tone against a formidable Utah front. Success for Martin and BYU’s full complement of backs—Ropati, Moa, Davis, and Nawahine—will be vital in overcoming Utah’s defense.
Score Prediction for BYU vs. Utah
The narrow three-point spread for BYU makes sense given their comparable statistics. BYU, however, has shown a winning edge in tough situations, unlike Utah this season. BYU’s defense is likely to set up their offense with short fields, as seen in previous wins. Retzlaff will capitalize, scoring into the 20s—territory Utah would prefer to avoid.
Final Score: BYU 24, Utah 17.
Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and host of Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (12–3 p.m.) on KSL Newsradio. Follow Mitch on X: @Mitch_Harper.