BYU football: Three reasons to be hopeful about the Holy War

BYU football and Utah will meet on Saturday for the Holy War game. In recent years, Utah has dominated the Cougars. But there are reasons to be hopeful.

BYU football fans, we’re just one day away from the Holy War.

Judging from the social media pulse, most seem to be somewhere between “Oh my word, please just win I literally can’t take it anymore,” and “Seven in a row is all but inevitable.”

But there are still reasons to be hopeful for the matchup on Saturday. Sure, BYU football might be an underdog. The offense might be sputtering. Cougar Nation may still be reeling from last week.

However, I still have hope.

Here’s why.

Anything Goes In Rivalry Games

Really, that says it all.

Anything can happen in rivalry contests.

Since 1997, 16 Holy War games have been decided by seven points or less. It seemingly never mattered which team was at its apex entering the game, because more often than not, the Holy War devolves into a dogfight.

In addition, looking at BYU football’s last two outings in the Holy War, it becomes apparent that the Cougars have a chance to knock off the Utes. Last year, the first BYU play of the game was a pick-six. In the 2015 Las Vegas Bowl, BYU football went down 35-0 in the first quarter thanks to a plethora of turnovers.

Even with those things happening, the Cougars lost by a combined eight points.

Avoid literally the worst starts imaginable, and you’ve got a shot.

Protect LaVell Edwards Stadium

Former players often say that the Holy War game tends to neutralize home-field advantage, since the two schools are so close to one another.

However, I was in the press box at Rice-Eccles Stadium last season… and there was certainly a home-field advantage.

School is in session, so the ROC section will be full. This is the biggest home game of the season (Wisconsin being a close second). Plus, it’s Utah. I fully expect LES to be rocking on Saturday night.

Just like the BYU basketball team is much better in Provo, I think the BYU football team can follow suit.

Trust Kalani Sitake

Under Bronco Mendenhall, the Cougars treated the Holy War “like any other game.” BYU football fans heard it over and over again, despite losing six of the last seven Holy War matchups under Mendenhall.

Kalani Sitake has a different view of the rivalry game.

Sitake’s connections at Utah have improved some of the relations – and most fans seem to be getting along better (although there are always exceptions). There’s also a ton of respect between Sitake and the Utah coaching staff.

But the biggest difference in my opinion is that Sitake acknowledges how important the Holy War is. Not just for the two teams involved, but for the universities and fans as well.

He’s experienced it as a fan, a player and a coach (for both teams, no less). I fully expect him to have his Cougars fired up on Saturday.