The Holy War is a very heated rivalry that tends to stir up strong emotions in participants on every level. In preparation for this weekend's battle with the BYU Cougars, Jaylon Glover, a Utah running back, had some choice words to say about their neighbors down south.
"Excuse my language, but f--- BYU, man," Glover laughed to the media, "I've never been a part of the Cold War, but I'm excited now. Looking forward to the opportunity to go fight and battle with the guys and keep our streak going."
Language warning for the attached video below.
Jaylon Glover at media availability. pic.twitter.com/vBzGQUZJT2
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) November 5, 2024
There's a lot to unpack in that short statement alone, but I'll try to break it down. Clearly, feelings about BYU are hostile in the Utah locker room, even years removed from the last meeting of these teams. I have to imagine that Glover isn't alone in feeing this way, and I hoped that the Utah coaching staff could advise their players to show more class when the conversation shifts to this topic.
Civility is clearly not a priority for the Utes.
He's never participated in this rivalry game as a player before, and is still unfamiliar with the history of this matchup, referring to it as the "Cold War", rather than the Holy War. He followed up that simple mistake by stating that the Utes are looking forward to maintaining their current streak in this matchup.
If he means Utah's 1-game losing streak, BYU is also hoping for the Utes to keep it up and drop this upcoming game.
This wasn't a very proud moment for Utah's program. To Glover's credit, however, he took to X to make a public apology for what he said and reiterated that he and his team hold great respect for BYU and each of their opponents.
I wanted to apologize for the language I used during post-practice media tonight. It doesn’t represent who I am or our program and was a lapse in my judgment. As a program, we respect every opponent we face and we have respect for BYU and are excited to play them Saturday.
— Jaylon Glover (@officiallyyjay1) November 5, 2024
He made a mistake, and should be applauded for making an effort to mend any damage that his statements may have caused.
His original statement was poignant and precise, and it's clear that these programs share bad blood. That's what makes the headlines. That's what generates clicks. But if we were all judged for our worst moments, rather than our efforts to make things right, we'd have low opinions of just about everybody.
Wow, this rivalry is already heating up!