It’s that game once again. The one that all BYU fans have circled on the calendar since the start of the season. It’s time for the Holy War.
No. 9 BYU (8-0) heads north to face the Utah Utes (4-4) Saturday. This week, wide receiver Chase Roberts was asked about what his team’s unit is doing to prepare.
“[We’re] just sticking to what we are doing,” Roberts said. “We’re practicing hard, doing our assignments, trusting in each other.”
Most people remember Roberts' jaw-dropping game-winning touchdown at Arkansas last year. The senior scored in the most recent game against UCF in Orlando, grabbing a 62-yard touchdown, breaking a tackle and running down the right sideline with no safety in sight. It was his fourth score of the season.
BYU is something serious
— Unnecessary Roughness (@UnnecRoughness) October 26, 2024
Retzlaff to Roberts before the half ends pic.twitter.com/W1t5md1vxl
It’s one thing to watch the play on live television, but what was the actual experience like, from a player’s point of view?
“It was a one-on-one, I got to work the safety,” said Roberts. “I gave him a little rocker, [quarterback] Jake [Retzlaff] saw me, I was able to break a tackler and get six.”
What other plays do receivers like executing on the field?
“Option routes [are good], they never know what you’re gonna do,” said Roberts. “I like going deep, like a post route. But whatever it is, I love making plays, catching balls and helping the team win.”
The Cougars are looking for more big plays from their receivers Saturday against the Utes.
BYU’s receiver room has taken its game up a notch so far this season. In 2023, the team caught passes for an average of 11.2 yard per reception, recording 17 total touchdowns. However, this season, the yards-per-catch have gone up to an average of 13.7, with 19 touchdowns. Keep in mind, this is with four games to go, along with a post-season matchup.
Fesi Sitake, BYU’s wide receiver coach, was asked about this improvement.
“Keeping our guys dialed in is so important,” he said. “A lot of those touchdowns just come down to execution. … The guys are selfless and understand that the ball goes different places, and if it comes your way, take advantage.”
The Salt Lake showdown point spread favors BYU by three, estimating around 40 points total scored. The Cougars look to accomplish their goal and come back to Provo with another rivalry win.
“We take it down to focusing on every rep,” said Roberts. “Even outside the field and locker room, we love each other and have a bond, we play for each other.”
Physicality takes a toll in the sport of football. Roberts said he has sought to improve that aspect throughout the season.
“I’m working on being more physical, confident and aggressive. Working routes through the defense and being the more physical receiver is what I think I’ve improved on the most.”
BYU won the most recent matchup in 2021, which snapped a nine-game losing streak in the series. The Cougars seek to start a streak of their own. Utah leads the all-time series 59-32-4.
Conference records, playoff aspirations and even bragging rights are on the line Saturday night.
“It’s another game for us … we are not looking past anyone,” Fesi Sitake said. “They [the Utes] have a good defense, so we anticipate a challenge.”
Kickoff is scheduled for 8:15 pm., with temperatures anticipated to be around 42 degrees. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.