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Top-25 BYU and Utah Set for Provo Clash With Big 12, Playoff Stakes

Both universities renewed their 'Rival Right' civility campaign after last year’s contentious finish.

Overview

  • No. 15 BYU (6-0) hosts No. 23 Utah (5-1) on Saturday at LaVell Edwards Stadium with conference and College Football Playoff implications.
  • Utah coach Kyle Whittingham declined to discuss BYU or freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier this week, saying he would focus on his team.
  • Coaches and data highlight near-matching offensive and defensive numbers, with BYU showing a clearer edge against the run.
  • This will be the first meeting since 2009 in which both programs are ranked in the AP Top 25.
  • External projections diverge, with ESPN’s model giving BYU a slight edge and oddsmakers favoring Utah by a few points, as cross-rival transfers such as BYU’s Keanu Tanuvasa add intrigue.