The BYU Cougars have had a challenging time in recent seasons when it comes to identifying the most important football game on their schedule. With the absence of their long-standing rival, the Utah Utes, since 2021, other opponents like Notre Dame, Texas, Baylor, Oregon, Utah State, or Boise State have taken the spotlight as the most significant contests of the year. However, the landscape is set to change with Utah joining the Big 12 this year, making the upcoming matchup between BYU and Utah on Nov. 9, 2024, the most anticipated game on the Cougars‘ schedule.
The last time BYU faced off against Utah was in 2021, where they secured a memorable 26-17 victory, breaking Utah’s nine-game winning streak in the rivalry. The upcoming game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City is expected to be the toughest challenge for BYU in 2024, as Utah is predicted to win the Big 12 and is ranked No. 13 in the USA Today Coaches Poll. The rivalry game holds significant importance for both teams, with players and coaches alike expressing their excitement and anticipation for the matchup.
At the Big 12 football media days, players from BYU highlighted the Utah game as the most significant on their schedule, emphasizing the historical significance and intensity of the rivalry. The addition of Utah to the Big 12 conference adds another layer of competitiveness and stakes to the annual matchup, making it a highly anticipated event for both teams and fans.
BYU’s head coach, Kalani Sitake, acknowledged the challenges posed by the upcoming schedule, which includes tough matchups against teams like Arizona, Arizona State, and Colorado. The Cougars will need to be well-prepared and focused to navigate through a demanding season that features formidable opponents both within and outside the conference.
As the Cougars gear up for the 2024 season, the game against Utah stands out as the pinnacle of their schedule, offering a chance to renew the storied rivalry and compete against a formidable opponent in a high-stakes matchup. With the return of the Holy War and the implications of conference standings on the line, BYU vs. Utah promises to be a game filled with intensity, emotion, and excitement for players, coaches, and fans alike.