No. 9 BYU (8-0, 5-0 Big 12, currently ranked No. 9 in the CFP) is set to face off against Utah (4-4, 1-4) on Saturday at 10:15 p.m. EST, broadcasting on ESPN.
According to BetMGM, BYU is favored by 3.5 points in this matchup, while Utah leads the all-time series with a record of 62-35-4.
Both teams find themselves in critical positions. This marks the first time since 2010 that BYU and Utah will compete as conference adversaries. The Cougars are keen to maintain their perfect record and hold onto their one-game lead in the Big 12 standings. Conversely, a win for the Utes would snap a four-game losing streak and inch them closer to bowl eligibility.
One of the most significant aspects of the game will be the clash between Utah’s struggling offense and BYU’s formidable defense. Currently, BYU boasts the fourth-best pass efficiency defense in the FBS, permitting an efficiency rating of just 96.31 per game. The Cougars have tallied 18 turnovers this season, including 14 interceptions, making them the leaders in the Big 12 for these stats. In contrast, Utah has recorded 12 interceptions, currently tied for the worst in the conference.
Key players to keep an eye on include those at the quarterback position for Utah. Coach Kyle Whittingham reopened the competition between Isaac Wilson and Brandon Rose during a bye week. Neither quarterback was able to demonstrate effective leadership in the previous loss to Houston, and whoever gets the nod must perform efficiently while avoiding errors against BYU’s stout defense.
For BYU, a strong performance in the running game during the early stages will be crucial. The Cougars’ dynamic backfield duo, LJ Martin and Hinckley Ropati, are fully fit and have been impressive. Martin has recorded consecutive 100-yard games against top opponents Oklahoma State and UCF. Meanwhile, Ropati has been averaging a remarkable 7.0 yards per carry over his last three outings.
In terms of team statistics, BYU is putting up an impressive average of 37.6 points per game against Big 12 teams, scoring 34 or more points in each of their five conference contests. On the other hand, Utah has managed to have at least one player with either 100 rushing or receiving yards in seven of their first eight games this season. Additionally, BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff is contributing 16.0 points per game this season and has scored 27 total touchdowns in 12 career starts (21 passing and six rushing). The Utes’ defense has been solid as well, allowing teams to convert on just 25.4% of third downs; this leads the Big 12 and ranks second in the FBS. Eleven different players from BYU have recorded interceptions, with Isaiah Glasker, Tanner Wall, and Jakob Robinson each leading with two.
