Holy War Reignited: Can Undefeated BYU Conquer Utah’s Defense in Big 12 Showdown?
The BYU-Utah rivalry, affectionately known as the “Holy War,” is one of the most intense in college football. This year, the stakes are even higher as both teams find themselves in the Big 12, battling for conference supremacy and a potential playoff berth.
BYU enters the game undefeated and ranked 9th nationally, boasting a top-25 offense and defense. Utah, on the other hand, sits at 4-4, struggling to find consistency on the offensive side of the ball. While their defense ranks 12th nationally in points allowed, their offense is a dismal 116th in points scored.
BYU’s Offensive Firepower vs. Utah’s Defensive Wall
The Cougars have been firing on all cylinders offensively, led by quarterback Jake Retzlaff. They’ll face a tough test against Utah’s stout defense, which has been the Utes’ saving grace this season. However, Utah’s offensive woes are a major concern. They’ve struggled to establish a consistent quarterback, with both Isaac Wilson and Brandon Rose failing to impress. This inability to generate points is a key reason why our model predicts a 23-15 BYU victory.
Line Movement Adds Value to BYU
The betting line has moved from BYU -4.5 to BYU -3 (Betonline), indicating that despite being on the road, the Cougars are the clear favorites. This line movement provides added value on BYU.
Why We’re Backing BYU
Several factors contribute to our confidence in BYU:
- Utah’s Offensive Struggles: Utah’s offense simply hasn’t been able to find its rhythm. Their inability to score points will make it difficult to keep pace with BYU’s high-powered attack. As the article highlights, neither of Utah’s quarterbacks has been particularly effective, and their run game has also been inconsistent.
- BYU’s Balanced Attack: BYU has shown the ability to move the ball both through the air and on the ground. This balanced attack, coupled with their strong defense, makes them a formidable opponent.
- Rivalry Game Intensity: While rivalry games can be unpredictable, BYU’s overall performance this season suggests they are the better team. The Cougars have shown resilience and determination, and they’ll be motivated to continue their undefeated run.
Our Pick: BYU -3
We believe BYU’s offensive firepower and Utah’s offensive struggles will be the deciding factors in this game. The Cougars have consistently performed at a high level this season, and we expect them to emerge victorious and remain undefeated.