Utah vs. BYU: Old Friends, Holy War Stories & CFP Stakes | Jeff Hansen

Before they covered Utah and BYU, Steve Bartle and Jeff Hansen were friends sharing the same classrooms, basketball courts and rivalry arguments. Now, they’re looking ahead to a Holy War between No. 3 Utah and No. 9 BYU.

Jeff joins Utah Blockcast to revisit junior high bragging rights, the unforgettable 2006 finish and how the rivalry has changed. The longtime friends discuss covering the programs they grew up rooting for—and whether some of the fun has gotten lost along the way.

Then, it’s Saturday’s showdown: LJ Martin’s uncertain availability, Devon Dampier and Wayshawn Parker attacking BYU’s edges, and the challenges presented by the Cougars’ defense. Jeff also explains why the first College Football Playoff rankings concern him for the Big 12, even with Utah at No. 3.

Plus, opposing Holy War picks and what a win would mean for Morgan Scalley’s Utes and BYU’s playoff push.

CHAPTERS
00:00 Jeff Hansen joins Utah Blockcast
03:02 CFP rankings: Is the Big 12 getting a fair shake?
08:56 Growing up with the Holy War
13:25 Rivalry memories and how the atmosphere has changed
17:13 From childhood fans to covering Utah and BYU
22:57 LJ Martin’s availability and BYU’s offense
27:30 Can BYU contain Dampier and Parker?
30:11 Dampier against BYU’s changing coverages
33:49 What a Holy War win would mean
36:14 Why Jeff is picking BYU
39:50 Why Steve is picking Utah

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