Utah football’s 1-0 mentality carries into the Holy War
Nov 3, 2026, 3:02 PM
Utah quarterback Devon Dampier (4) passes the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Cincinnati, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Tony Wagner)
(AP Photo/Tony Wagner)
SALT LAKE CITY — Players and coaches for Utah football do need need a reminder of what the Holy War means. Devon Dampier heard about it throughout the offseason, and the stakes surrounding this year’s matchup have only added to the anticipation.
“Oh man, it means a lot to the state, no doubt,” Utah’s star quarterback shared on Monday. “I think the whole entire offseason I couldn’t go anywhere without hearing about this game at some point. So I understand what this means to the state for sure.”
But inside the program, the message remains familiar: Go 1-0.
The Utes have championship ambitions that extend beyond the rivalry, as do their counterparts in this game. Utah’s approach is to give those goals a chance by keeping their attention on the opponent directly in front of them.
“I think every game is a big game,” offensive coordinator Kevin McGiven said. “And yeah, it’s BYU, but it’s just one big game against a very good opponent. So we’ve got to treat it like that.”
Building the habits before the stakes rise
For Dampier, the approach starts with Morgan Scalley and the urgency he has established throughout the season.
Every week has carried the expectation of a championship game. That means preparing with purpose, respecting the opponent and understanding that a poor performance can threaten everything Utah is working toward.
“We’ve been treating every week like, you know, this is it,” Dampier said.
That consistency gives Utah something to lean on as the attention grows. The Utes have already been asked to handle the pressure of protecting an undefeated season and pursuing larger goals.
McGiven said the previous trip to Cincinnati carried its own importance. Utah simply couldn’t afford a letdown performance after it’s biggest win of the season.
“Every game is a really big game when you have lofty goals,” McGiven said.
Dampier understands the rivalry brings additional emotion. The challenge is carrying that energy into the game while maintaining the preparation and decision-making that have helped Utah succeed.
There’s only 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒚 to show up on Saturday 🔴🔴
#GoUtes | #RSNB https://t.co/9oCUYvHnSI
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) November 2, 2026
Accountability, confidence, key to Dampier’s success
Dampier’s growing command of the offense has helped reinforce that approach.
McGiven said the quarterback is handling the operation more cleanly, making better decisions and taking greater ownership of an offense with plenty of moving parts. His reads after the snap are still developing, but the progress has been steady.
Dampier sees confidence as something he can provide for the entire group.
“Confidence is everything in our offense,” he said. “And I feel like when I’m able to bring that, the other guys on our team are able to feel that confidence and also apply that to themselves.”
That leadership was visible when Byrd Ficklin came to the sideline frustrated after missing an opportunity to score against Cincinnati. Dampier reminded him that playing quarterback can make every mistake feel like a personal failure, even in a game that requires all 11 players to execute.
His message was to keep the trust and move to the next opportunity.
“No one’s lost trust in you. Everyone still believes in you,” Dampier said. “And just worry about the next one you can control.”
It is the same principle Utah is applying to the season: address what happened, maintain confidence and get the next assignment right.
Different contributors, one objective for the Holy War
Utah’s expanding group of offensive contributors has given that mentality practical value.
Hunter Andrews stepped into additional opportunities against Cincinnati and delivered two touchdowns, including a 59-yard reception on a free play. Daniel Bray provided another threat on the perimeter, with McGiven pointing to a goal-line score on which Bray’s speed overcame an unfavorable numbers situation.
Their emergence gives Utah more options around Dampier and Wayshawn Parker. It also reflects an offense in which the opportunities can change from week to week.
Andrews, who has spent plenty of time blocking for others, kept his breakout performance in perspective.
“Just whatever role I need to do to win,” he said.
That willingness will matter against a BYU defense McGiven described as aggressive, well coached and effective at mixing its looks. Andrews identified perimeter blocking as a priority, even after a game that showcased what he can do with the ball.
Asked about reaching a matchup with so much at stake, Andrews returned to the team’s weekly objective.
“We’re exactly where we want to be, but we’re just trying to go 1-0 this week.”
Utah has earned the opportunity to play a consequential Holy War. Its players believe the best way to handle it is to stay committed to the work that made the opportunity possible.
