If there was ever a moment for a peaceful coexistence between the two largest college fan bases in Utah, it would be right now. However, that is simply not going to happen. A truce in the intense rivalry known as the Holy War, which pits BYU against Utah, would last no time at all.
Yet, it would be remarkable if both sides could take a step back, demonstrate some pride in their home state, and acknowledge the accomplishments of the other on the football field this season. (Apologies to any BYU and Utah fans choking on their coffee while reading this.)
This marks the third consecutive week and the ninth time overall that both teams have found themselves in the top 15 of the Associated Press poll simultaneously. Currently, BYU boasts a record of 10-1 and is ranked No. 11, while Utah holds a record of 9-2 and is ranked No. 14. Both teams have suffered losses to Texas Tech, and Utah”s other defeat came at the hands of their rivals.
Regardless, this season could evolve into the best collective performance for both schools in their long history of over a century in football. The benchmark remains 2008 when Utah triumphed over Alabama in the Sugar Bowl, finishing with a perfect 13-0 record and ranked No. 2, while BYU began with a 10-1 record before concluding at 10-3 and ranked No. 25 after losing to Utah.
If Utah can secure one more victory, it will mark the first time since 2021 that both programs achieve double-digit wins in the same season, a feat only accomplished four times previously.
Next week, BYU can clinch a spot in the Big 12 Championship game if they defeat UCF at home. Even in the event of a loss, their chance at a first-ever College Football Playoff appearance remains viable if they can reach Arlington, Texas, and win, likely facing Texas Tech again.
Meanwhile, Utah will conclude its regular season against Kansas. Last week, they were ranked No. 12 in the College Football Playoff standings, but their position could be compromised after a narrow escape against Kansas State, who amassed 472 rushing yards against them. The Utes are nearly out of the Big 12 race, and their playoff aspirations are hanging by a thread, although a promising bowl opportunity awaits.
Longtime Utah resident Dick Harmon recognizes that the mutual disdain between the fan bases will perpetually prevent any form of mutual respect. Having graduated from BYU, Harmon has reported on Cougars sports for four decades for the Deseret News in Salt Lake City. He acknowledges that while there are good fans on both sides, they are often overshadowed by the more vocal detractors.
“The fact that both teams are in the top 15 just gives everyone more reasons to argue,” Harmon stated. “Utah fans, having lost to BYU, feel justified in their belief that they should be ranked higher since they are scoring a lot of points this season. Their loss to BYU was close and could easily have gone the other way in the past two years, and it just keeps going back and forth.”
Harmon shared how BYU fans might respond, saying, “Look, you allowed a school-record 472 rushing yards to a struggling Kansas State team. We beat you, and it should have been a larger margin, not just a three-point difference.”
On the other hand, Utah State fans are quietly celebrating a season that could rival their best since the Aggies went 11-3 in 2021. Currently, Utah State holds a 6-5 record and is bowl eligible. Interestingly, there was only one instance when BYU, Utah, and Utah State were all ranked simultaneously, which occurred in the final 2021 poll with Utah at No. 12, BYU at No. 19, and Utah State at No. 24.
In other news, Oregon head coach Dan Lanning recently took a subtle jab at the Southeastern Conference (SEC) following the Ducks” 42-27 victory over Southern California. While Oregon and other Big Ten teams were engaged in competitive conference matchups, three SEC teams faced off against FCS opponents, and three others played Group of Five teams. The SEC will transition to a nine-conference game schedule next year.
“We played a good team, and we beat them,” Lanning remarked. “All we can focus on next week is doing the same. This conference is competitive, and we didn”t play against a team like Chattanooga State today, unlike some others. We competed.”
In a role reversal from last year, when Tennessee needed a victory against Vanderbilt to secure a College Football Playoff at-large bid, the Commodores now travel to Knoxville hoping to defeat Tennessee to keep their own playoff dreams alive. A win would also grant Vanderbilt its first 10-win season.
Coach Clark Lea emphasized the need for his team to concentrate solely on the Volunteers, avoiding distractions about playoff implications. He hinted at his thoughts regarding quarterback Diego Pavia”s desire to remain in the game during a blowout against Kentucky, saying, “I told him no; we”re aiming for a championship. I want you healthy for the playoffs.”
In additional highlights, No. 1 Ohio State has extended its win streak to 15 games, the longest in the Bowl Subdivision, with seven of their opponents this season being held to under 10 points. Meanwhile, No. 2 Texas A&M concluded its season with a perfect 7-0 home record following a 48-0 win over Samford. This marks the first time A&M has been unbeaten at home since 1999, excluding the 2020 pandemic season. Furthermore, Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love has made history by becoming only the third player since 1996 to run for over 170 yards and three touchdowns on just eight carries, achieving this feat with 178 yards and three touchdowns against Syracuse. Love is the first to accomplish this since Cincinnati”s Desmond Ridder did so against SMU in 2020.
AP Sports Writer Teresa M. Walker contributed to this report from Nashville, Tennessee.
