There’s no foe No. 15 BYU knows better — and no team it has lost to more — than the No. 23 Utah Utes, who have defeated the Cougars 23 more times than any other program.
The 103rd installment of the Holy War will take place this Saturday at LaVell Edwards Stadium, with the 5-1 No. 23 Utah seeking revenge after undefeated No. 15 BYU bested them 22–21 on their own turf less than a year ago.
While Utah has been the better team head-to-head throughout the rivalry, owning a 62–36–4 series lead and a 21–18–1 advantage in games played in Provo, BYU now has the chance to beat Utah three times in a row — something it hasn’t accomplished since the early 1990s.
Offense:
The spark plug of this rejuvenated Utah team has been quarterback Devon Dampier. Dampier spent his first two collegiate seasons with the New Mexico Lobos before transferring to Utah, which was in desperate need of a quarterback following the departure of longtime starter Cam Rising and while allowing Isaac Wilson time to develop.
Through six games this season, the Arizona native has thrown 11 touchdowns to just three interceptions — a significant improvement from the 12 picks he threw last year. Dampier has also been extremely efficient, leading the Big 12 and ranking 12th nationally in completion percentage at 71%.
Utah’s offensive line has played a major role in that success, dominating through the first half of the season and consistently giving Dampier a clean pocket to operate from. The Utes rank eighth in the FBS in rushing offense (248.2 yards per game, first in the Big 12), fourth in sacks allowed (0.50 per game, second in the Big 12), and sixth in tackles for loss allowed (3.17 per game, first in the Big 12).
Dampier has also made his mark as a runner, leading the team with 378 rushing yards. His scrambling ability, paired with the protection up front, has helped him evade pressure throughout his career as he’s only been sacked 12 times in 27 games.
Dampier's favorite target this season has been wide receiver Ryan Davis, with whom he already established strong chemistry during their two seasons together at New Mexico before also transferring to Utah. Davis has continued to be a reliable option for Dampier, recording 39 receptions for 416 yards and a pair of touchdown catches through six games.
Defensive tackle and former Ute Keanu Tanuvasa said the Cougars are ready for the challenge of taking on Dampier.
“Yeah, a great dual-threat QB. Someone that we look forward to challenging our defense," Tanuvasa said. "But we've been blessed to be able to be prepped against other quarterbacks like Noah Fifita and individuals who have tested us with their dual threat as well. And so, we're just going to go out there and stick to the scheme, stick to the plan that we have, and give it our best shot.”
Defense:
Utah has complemented its offensive explosiveness with a dominant defense, ranking among the nation’s best on both sides of the ball. The Utes sit second in the Big 12 and top 16 nationally in both scoring offense and scoring defense — averaging 39.5 points per game (16th in the NCAA) while allowing just 13.8 points per game (11th in the NCAA).
After spending one season with BYU, defensive end John Henry Daley has become one of Utah’s top defenders to watch and has quickly emerged as one of the best pass rushers in college football. Daley is tied for second in the FBS with eight sacks and has fully embraced his role as the newly appointed mayor of “Sack Lake City.”
What to expect?
ESPN has the Utes listed as 3.5-point favorites — the first time this season that a BYU opponent has been expected to win, according to the platform. Last year, Utah had a chance to spoil BYU’s undefeated season but came up just short. Will the Utes be able to spoil the party in Provo this time around?
With both teams ranked for the first time in the Holy War since 2009, all signs point to another classic showdown between these in-state rivals.