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No matter how Utah and BYU stack up, this game usually brings out the best in both football teams, and that’s what to expect when they meet at Rice-Eccles Stadium on Saturday night.

Add in that both veteran coaching staffs have had two weeks to prepare for this game, it could turn out to be a chess match.

BYU is a slight favorite in this game, according to the odds, and the stats favor the Cougars. But most longtime professional observers know that nothing is taken for granted in this game.

In this piece by Jay Drew, BYU expects a hostile and emotional environment at Rice-Eccles. In many ways, this is Utah’s chance to break BYU’s undefeated Super Bowl Utes record.

Here’s what the experts say about BYU’s chances to make the Big 12 championship game in Arlington.

Cougar Insider Predictions

Question of the week: The BYU-Utah rivalry game resumes this weekend with plenty of storylines. How do you think this game will play out and why?

Jay Drew: I’ve never been able to accurately predict a BYU-Utah football game — I’ve covered it since the famous game in 2006 (Beck-to-Harline) in Salt Lake City. I usually can’t even come close to guessing how the games will go. So take all of this with a grain of salt:

First team to 21 points wins. I think it will be a defensive battle until late. Then the gates will open as midnight closes in (and the temperatures are unbearable).

I’m picking BYU to win because this season has been so magical for the Cougars. They found ways to win, whether on offense (OSU) or defense (SMU, Baylor, Kansas State). BYU also has a better quarterback. That goes a long way in rivalry games. Just look at 2021, when Jaren Hall’s BYU took down the Utes in Provo before Utah somehow discovered that Cam Rising was better than Charlie Brewer.

For BYU, the Cougars need to withstand the early emotional rush the crowd will bring to the Utes and not turn it over and give whoever is Utah’s QB a short field — and some early confidence. BYU is the better team here, but turnovers can be game-tying. BYU has found that out many times before in Salt Lake City.

Prediction: BYU 21, Utah 20

Dick Harmon: Regardless of records, standings and momentum, this game usually comes down to turnovers. Utah may have struggled on a four-game losing streak and a disappointing season so far, but Kyle Whittingham has a lot of talent. BYU simply has a more complete team. The thing that can even this out is turnover.

I think the Utes will use the bye week to introduce some twists on both sides of the line to get a surprise game or two. Will this make a difference? It could in a tight fourth quarter game if Utah can keep the score low and close late.

The thing pushing BYU ahead in this game, besides its better record and more stats, are wins over SMU and Kansas State. In those games, BYU found unique ways to win, and neither team scored a touchdown on the Cougars. SMU was a juggernaut before and after losing to BYU. These wins prove that BYU is a unique team that plays on all cylinders.

What gives Utah hope is its defense, which is top 15 and the shining diamond this season for Whittingham. Usually, aside from turnovers, QBs can make all the difference in this rivalry and Jake Retzlaff is on a real streak and Utah is still rolling the dice.

Prediction: BYU 24, Utah 17

Cougar stories

From the archives

From verse X

Additional points

• Are preseason polls useless? Look at Utah-BYU (Deseret News)
• BYU instructs players on rivalry (KSL Sports)
• Steve Cleveland, Scott Mitchell in Y’s Guys (Y’s boys)

Fanalists

Comments from Deseret News readers:

If only these kids could be as mature as Sitake, right? But I’m not. They are children and they will walk and step and do everything in their power to inflame and insult.

As a Ute fan, and now a BYU fan in the closet, the only way this ends up being civil is if BYU beats Utah on the turf, which is a distinct possibility. Honestly, that’s exactly what I want to see happen, mainly because I’d like to see a Utah team make it to the CFP.

But the other purpose a Utah beating serves is for “management” to see that it’s time for Kyle to move on. And please, no Scalley, unless “management” wants more of the same general offensive ineptitude we’ve all but endured for the last 3-4 years, maybe 14 years.

What about the game? Do the math. BYU is a much better team now in every phase of the game. I get it, Utah is awful. But a few Coog mistakes, Utah’s D playing to his potential, a turnover and voila!, a Utah win. And whatever, there’s no upside to that eventuality, except for fans who take this rivalry far too seriously.

— Gadiantonchief

If we had played Utah without a bye, I would have felt a lot better about this game. This is the Rose Bowl in Utah and they have 2 weeks to prepare with the new OC.. Utah’s D will be great and the Utah offense can improve. Here’s hoping BYU prepares for punts, fake punts and gadget plays. They have everything to gain and nothing to lose. Let’s see what happens. Go Cougs!

— Wise-wise

We knew our invite to the Big XII would put us at or equal talent against Utah, but who knows we’ll beat Oregon for 2 O lineman in the same week. Huge news! A big welcome to Cougar nation to Kalaniuvalu and Pay. Life is good and getting better!

— CougFaninTX

Further on

November 6 | 15:30 | Women’s football | TCU | @ Kansas City, Missouri

November 6 | 7 p.m Women’s basketball | Idaho | @ Provo

November 7 | TBA | Men’s tennis | ITA National Fall Championships | @ Malibu, California

November 7 | TBA | Women’s tennis | ITA Sectional Championships | @ Los Angeles

November 9 | 20:15 | Football | Utah | @ Salt Lake City