No. 3 Utah defeated No. 9 BYU 28-20 on Saturday in the 104th edition of the Holy War, with Utes quarterback Devon Dampier delivering a standout performance that included 177 passing yards, two touchdowns, 87 rushing yards, and two rushing scores. The victory extended Utah’s nation-leading 15-game winning streak and kept the Utes undefeated at 9-0, while BYU’s loss dropped the Cougars to 7-1 and significantly diminished their College Football Playoff aspirations.
BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier threw three interceptions in the second half, matching his season total entering the game, as Utah’s defense stifled the Cougars’ offense after a competitive first half. BYU’s offense, which had scored on its opening drive, was held scoreless in the second half, contributing to the loss.
Immediate Aftermath and Reactions
Utah head coach Morgan Scalley emphasized the broader season outlook following the win, stating, “The season’s not over. This was a big win, not THE big win. We got to keep it going.” Scalley, who took over as Utah’s head coach in 2024, highlighted the community’s role in the program’s success, noting, “It’s about this entire community; it’s about Utah athletics.”
BYU head coach Kalani Sitake attributed the loss to Utah’s defensive scheme rather than Bachmeier’s performance. Sitake remarked, “That’s what the defense here does. I grew up in that system too. You want to find ways to create havoc and make things difficult for the quarterback. I think they made some great plays on the ball.” He added, “If you are going to be aggressive in the pass game, you're going to have to live with some of the mistakes.”
Game Breakdown and Key Moments
Utah struck early, with Dampier scoring on a 22-yard run just 1:15 into the first quarter. The Utes’ offense capitalized on BYU’s three-and-out, with Dampier connecting with wide receiver Braden Pegan for a 46-yard touchdown pass to extend the lead to 14-0 within five minutes. BYU responded with a touchdown drive of its own, narrowing the gap to 14-7 by the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter saw Utah extend its lead to 21-7 on a second Dampier rushing touchdown, while BYU’s Bachmeier threw an interception in the red zone, which Utah converted into a field goal. BYU’s lone second-quarter score came on a 25-yard field goal, leaving the halftime score at 21-10 in favor of Utah.
The turning point occurred in the third quarter, as BYU’s offense stalled while Utah’s defense forced two interceptions in the second half. Bachmeier’s third interception of the game, thrown in the fourth quarter, sealed Utah’s victory. BYU managed a late touchdown, but the deficit proved insurmountable.
Statistical Dominance and Long-Term Implications
Utah’s offensive and defensive performance underscored its dominance. The Utes outscored opponents 103-9 in the first quarter this season, leading all FBS teams with a +94 point differential in opening frames. Utah’s defense forced eight turnovers in its last four games, a trend BYU failed to capitalize on despite early offensive success.
For BYU, the loss marked a setback in its pursuit of a College Football Playoff berth. With two losses on the season, the Cougars would need a perfect finish and significant external help to secure a playoff spot. BYU is scheduled to host Baylor next week in a bid to rebound from the defeat.
Utah, meanwhile, remains in strong contention for the Big 12 championship and a top seed in the College Football Playoff, pending results from other ranked teams. The Utes’ undefeated record and defensive prowess have positioned them as a frontrunner in the playoff race.
Historical Context and Rivalry Dynamics
The Holy War, dating back to the 1800s, has long been one of college football’s most storied rivalries. The matchup between Utah and BYU carries historical significance, rooted in the universities’ shared LDS Church origins and subsequent divergence. Utah’s victory snapped a three-game losing streak to BYU and extended its nation-leading winning streak.
Both teams now turn their focus to upcoming challenges. Utah will continue its pursuit of an undefeated regular season, while BYU looks to regroup against Baylor in Week 11.