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BYU vs Utah prediction: Cougs face a unique challenge in a Holy War rebirth

Can BYU remain undefeated after Saturday's visit to Rice-Eccles Stadium?

By Calvin Barrett

Jake Retzlaff will be a major factor in Saturday's duel with Utah.
Jake Retzlaff will be a major factor in Saturday's duel with Utah. / Russell Lansford-Imagn Images
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Stop any BYU fan on the street today and ask how they feel about this weekend's Holy War matchup with Utah. Their answer will likely be one of unease and uncertainty--but why?

The Cougars are entering Rice-Eccles Stadium with an 8-0 record, a top 10 ranking, and the final remaining undefeated resume in the Big 12 Conference. Utah? They're entering this battle on a 4-game losing streak, hold a 4-4 record, and more uncertainty at quarterback than any power conference football team.

By all metrics, the Cougars should run away with this one, and the Utes should expect to tally another game on the loss column.

So, why is the atmosphere filled with so much unease in Provo? Why, despite all indications of a win, does Cougar Nation dread what may happen on the field in Salt Lake City tonight?

Jake Retzlaff, Keelan Marion
Jake Retzlaff needs to control the game if the Cougars are going to finish on top. / Julio Aguilar/GettyImages

The answer is simple: BYU has hurt them before, and this would be the game that hurts the most. Finally, the Cougars seemingly have the upper hand in this matchup. Finally, a Holy War win isn't only possible--it's likely.

And yet, despite all this, the Holy War remains the biggest game of the season, with both teams' seasons on the line.

The stakes for the Cougars? An undefeated regular season, a chance at the College Football Playoff, and the national respect that still eludes this team. On Utah's end, a win in this game could save a season that seemed lost two weeks ago when the Utes dropped a road game against a basement-dwelling Houston team.

With all this in mind, predicting the outcome feels a lot like deciding between a brand-new Toyota Camry or a well-used Audi A6 with 200,000 miles on the odometer. No matter what, I may leave the dealership with regret.

But I think choosing against BYU would be unwise in this game. The numbers believe in the Cougars, logic believes in the Cougars, and the quarterback advantage leads me to believe that this game should result in a relatively comfortable win.

In this Holy War rebirth, I'm taking BYU. Big surprise, right?

Score Prediction: BYU 34, Utah 14

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