BYU has played five games against Utah in the Kalani Sitake era. Despite winning only one of those games, the “Holy War" has had some exciting finishes and iconic moments in just those five showdowns.
In honor of the sixth meeting in the Sitake era and the 96th overall, we rank the Cougars’ five matchups since 2016.
5. 2019: Utah wins 30-12
This was a pretty forgettable game in the storied rivalry between BYU and Utah.
This season-opener saw a Utes team that was littered with NFL talent across the field dominate a Cougars team that looked flat from the opening kickoff.
Utah led 9-6 at half, but after scoring a touchdown on the opening drive of the second half and then adding another touchdown after a BYU fumble, the Utes were in control. Utah essentially put the game away after Julian Blackmon snagged the team’s second pick-six of the game. Zach Wilson was able to lead a touchdown drive but after a lengthy lightning delay, the Utes were able to hold on to the ball and close out the game.
4. 2017: Utah wins 19-13
This was a sloppy game for BYU as the team committed three turnovers — all of which were Tanner Mangum interceptions. The Cougars also only managed 233 yards of offense compared to Utah’s 430. The reason we have this game higher than the 2019 game is the fact that BYU’s defense was able to keep them in the game as both Fred and Troy Warner recovered fumbles to give the offense a chance. The Cougars had the ball with 1:34 left and a chance to win the game but a quick four plays and a turnover- -on-downs would sink them in this one.
3. 2018: Utah wins 35-27
This spot might anger some people as BYU led 20-0 at halftime and 27-7 with 5:28 remaining in the third quarter and still managed to lose this game.
Zach Wilson looked as if he was poised to take down the Utes in his first start but Utah’s defense tightened up and Jason Shelley, who started for an injured Tyler Huntley, was able to lead his team to four straight touchdown drives.
This was not the outcome BYU fans wanted but this game was far more watchable and entertaining than the previous ones on this list.
2. 2016: Utah wins 20-19
This was Kalani Sitake’s first game against Kyle Whittingham and the Utah Utes and it did not disappoint. This game went down the wire, as Taysom Hill led a touchdown drive that ended with him rushing into the endzone for six.
In his first game of “the Holy War,” Sitake wanted to go for the win in regulation and opted to go for two, however Hill's two-point conversion came up short. Utah was able to take a knee, run out the clock and claim the victory after a failed onside kick attempt by the Cougars.
1. 2021: BYU wins 26-17
Finally, after nine straight losses to their in-state rival, the Cougars were able to flip the script and get a big-time win over Utah.
Led by Jaren Hall’s three touchdown passes, BYU held on to pull off the upset in Provo. The defense was able to get key stops all game in order to preserve the victory. Sitake finally beat his friend and mentor, Whittingham. Fans stormed the field in a frenzy after years of disappointment. It was a night that all of Cougar Nation will never forget.
The Cougars travel to Salt Lake City to take on the Utes on Saturday in hopes of keeping their undefeated season alive.