In BYU Rivalry, The Pressure’s Real, It’s Utah Football’s Turn to Carry It
Oct 15, 2025, 1:22 PM | Updated: 1:52 pm
Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham encourages fans to make noise in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021. Utah won 35-21. (Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News)
(Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY— It’s rivalry week, and the weight on Utah feels heavier than usual — and that’s important.
For the first time since 2009, both Utah (No. 23) and BYU (No. 15) enter this week ranked in the Top 25. Utah rides in off a dominant 42–10 shellacking of Arizona State; BYU survived a dramatic double-overtime comeback over Arizona.
RELATED: How To Watch, Stream, Listen To No. 15 BYU Football Vs. No. 23 Utah
Yet in recent years, the pendulum in the Holy War has swayed BYU’s way. Utah hasn’t claimed a win in the series since 2019. In any rivalry, the pressure is always heavier on the previous loser. That burden intensifies within win streaks. Now with conference implications added into the mix, every inch carries consequence.
Experts agree: this is a toss-up. ESPN’s FPI pegs BYU’s win probability at 51 percent, but Vegas markets currently favor Utah on the road.
Utah knows that in this matchup, narratives compete with football. BYU is under little scrutiny — 6–0, ranked, riding momentum.
But pressure is deeper for the Utes: it’s about reclaiming the rivalry, legitimizing this Big 12 era, and proving that they’re one of the top contenders this season.
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Coaches Speak: Handling pressure is about trusting the process
Pressure is all external, so Utah coaches are preaching one message: focus on us, do your work, trust the process.
RELATED: Takeaways From Kyle Whittingham’s Rivalry Week Press Conference
“There’s a point where, if you make too big a deal of things, you get diminishing returns,” Kyle Whittingham said Tuesday.
“We prepare the same way every week… we don’t deviate from that.”
Assistants have echoed it.
Running backs coach Mark Atuaia: “You just play, and prepare … do all the things that are needed, just like you do every week.”
“I just try to keep them in the moment,” linebackers coach Colton Swan said. “I don’t want them to focus on the things outside of their job description. Understand the process, what we do every week, and prepare the right way.”
That doesn’t mean emotional detachment. In rivalry games, intensity is a given. But Whittingham is wise: the emotional surge can’t outpace the routine, the fundamentals, the preparation. When the crowd roars or mistakes happen, the foundation must hold.
“The intensity takes care of itself, you don’t have to worry about them being ready, emotionally, for this type of game,” Whittingham continued. “It’s just a matter of making sure you get the work done Monday through Friday.”
Pressure point Utah-BYU matchups to watch
1. Devon Dampier’s dual-threat ability
Utah’s quarterback has become a central chess piece. He’s got the legs, the vision, and the confidence to make plays. Containing him will test BYU’s defensive discipline — in pocket or on the move. Spying Dampier is certainly something BYU will look to utilize, so how Utah counters will be interesting. Dampier has been remarkably efficient and has shown progress as a passer over the course of the season.
2. Battle of the trenches
Utah’s offensive line just claimed it’s second Big 12 “Beef of the Week” honors after dominating ASU. That physical edge must be maintained in Provo, especially against BYU’s front. The Utah defensive front is gaining health along the interior and could be in the best condition it’s been all season, which would benefit Utah’s attempt to limit the inside run game for BYU.
RELATED: Utah Offensive Line Earns Big 12 Beef Of The Week Honor
Embracing Pressure: Utah’s Opportunity
Pressure is often framed as a burden. But coaches have flipped that on it’s head — instead to reflect opportunity, given standards, legacies, and credibility they’ve earned.
This week’s rivalry will have more visibility, more stakes, and more expectation than many past matchups. Both teams are ranked. The game has significant conference race implications. The eyes won’t be just local — national watchers will be tuned in.
If Utah commits to its process, leans into the emotion, executes in moments that matter, this game can become more than a win — it can be a statement.
