Rivalries spark emotions. Emotions change games, but BYU coach Kalani Sitake wasn't focused on that when talking this week about Saturday's game against Utah.
The No. 9 Cougars (8-0) visit the Utes (4-4), who own a four-game losing streak. Kickoff is at 8:15 p.m. at Rice-Eccles Stadium and the game will be broadcast on ESPN.
"It's not a different scenario. It’s the same scenario every week,” Sitake said. “I think everybody’s making it a big deal, but when football starts it really just becomes the game. … We’ve gone into a hostile environment before. This is gonna be another one.”
Despite Sitake’s just-another-game mindset, BYU recognizes how much the community and teams care about the rivalry.
“It’s a lot of emotions,” Sitake said. “It doesn’t matter about your record. There is a lot of pride that goes into both sides and tradition. We are going to get their best effort. It’s more definite now than ever before. We need to make sure that we give ours as well. Who knows what is going to happen? It’s a fun game to be a part of, and we’re glad that it’s back. We want our guys to enjoy every second of it.”
Quarterback Jack Retzlaff echoed Sitake, explaining how he would approach the rivalry.
“I play with enough emotion as it is, so I just try to remove the emotion from the rivalry and attack it like a football game,” Retzlaff said. “It’s not something that the fans want to hear, but it’s the truth, and that’s how you go win these games; you remove that intense emotion out of it, and then you just go play ball and keep executing like we’ve done all year.”
Both BYU and Utah had bye weeks last Saturday to prepare for the upcoming game. This helped ensure that running back LJ Martin is back for the game, though center Connor Pay and wide receiver Kody Epps remain "doubtful."
BYU football coach Kalani Sitake says OL Connor Pay and WR Kody Epps are doubtful for the Utah game; Sitake said everyone else who hasn't been out for a long time is healthy and ready to go, including RB LJ Martin.
— Jay Drew (@drewjay) November 4, 2024
BYU may be favored, but as shown by Houston's upset over ranked Kansas State and Texas Tech's win against previously undefeated Iowa State, anything can happen.
Utah hasn't even said whether Isaac Wilson or Brandon Rose will start at quarterback.
“There’s a lot of different things that we have to probably overprepare for, but that’s OK,” Sitake said. “I’d rather it be that way. We have to look at all the quarterbacks on the roster and be ready for them and I think (defensive coordinator) Jay (Hill) has a good start on that.”
The staff has also emphasized “buying into your one-eleventh” and how complementary football needs to run through all three phases: offense, defense, and special teams.
“If you’re on defense doing your one-eleventh, we can have success,” Sitake said. “Then you maximize the opportunities that come your way for you to make the big play. But for that to happen, everyone’s gotta do their part and buy into what’s happening.”
The Cougars have been putting in the work and are not underestimating their opponent, despite Utah’s four-game losing streak.
They recognize Utah’s solid defense and Sitake praised coach Kyle Whittingham for the coach and man that he is.
Kalani Sitake on Kyle Whittingham:
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) November 4, 2024
"He is a great mentor and friend. He is a great competitor. He’s a football guy. He’s tough and holds his team accountable, but there is a good side to him that I’ve seen. He cares about his players and staff. I have been a benefactor of that.… pic.twitter.com/jvQ8uVWJDE
“(He’s) a great mentor and friend. He is a great competitor,” Sitake said. “He is a football guy. ... Listen, he wants to win this game as much as I do. I am honored to be his friend. As soon as we’re done with the game, we’ll go back to being friends again. He has taught me to do this the right way and make sure to focus on the boys first. That is what he’s doing, and that’s what I am trying to do as head coach.”