Faith, Fire, and Football: The Holy War That’s Bigger Than the Scoreboard
The upcoming Holy War isn’t just a college football rivalry; it’s woven into Utah’s identity. Dating back to the late 19th century, the series has evolved into a cultural flashpoint, with Utah leading the all-time series by wide margins, 62–36–4 through 2024. In recent decades, Utah dominated, including a streak of nine straight wins from 2010 to 2021. Although BYU snapped that run and delivered a thrilling 22-21 comeback victory in 2024. The rivalry’s moniker stems from sociocultural tension: BYU is affiliated with the LDS Church, while Utah is a public university, and debates over faith, identity, and regional supremacy always color the clash. This year’s edition is especially charged, with Utah leaders and religious groups publicly pleading for civility; the off-field energy is as electric as the expectations for Saturday night. As one Washington Post piece put it: “The stakes of this year’s game are huge,” both for playoff implications and community unity.
Clash of Styles, Stars, and Stakes
Utah enters 2025 at 5–1 and ranked No. 23, while BYU remains unbeaten at 6–0 and currently sits around No. 15 in the polls. The betting market reflects a tight matchup: Utah opened as a modest -3.5 favorite, with the over/under at 47.5. Utah’s signal-caller, Devon Dampier, brings balance; he's already thrown for 1,131 yards with a stellar 71% completion rate, while also rushing for 378 yards. His dual-threat nature forces BYU’s defense to stay honest. On the BYU side, Bear Bachmeier spearheads an offense that leaned heavily on the ground in their latest 33–27 double-overtime win vs Arizona. In that game, BYU ran 51 rushes for 258 yards; the running back LJ Martin alone racked up 162 yards on 25 carries. While BYU can’t ignore Utah’s defensive front, especially pass rusher John Henry Daley, a former Cougar who is now turning heads. Key matchups to watch: Will Utah’s ground game control possession and wear down BYU, or can BYU’s air attack crack open lanes behind its receivers Parker Kingston and Carsen Ryan? Turnovers will loom large, Utah’s margin for error is slim, and BYU has shown late-game resilience under pressure.
Nat’s Take: This one comes down to a few plays. I see Utah edging out BYU 27–24, but not without a heated finish. BYU might keep it close with a late surge, but Dampier’s versatility and Utah’s interior strength give them the edge — unless BYU can force a turnover or break off a big pass play. If BYU wins, it’s a program-defining moment; if Utah wins, it reasserts dominance in the state and perhaps sets the tone for the Big 12 race. Either way, expect an emotional, hard-hitting game that reminds fans why the Holy War is one of college football’s most storied rivalries. The noise, the passion, and the pride on both sidelines will make this matchup feel less like Week Eight and more like destiny in motion.
