October 15, 2025
BYU Aims to Turn “Disrespect” into Fuel Against Rival Utah
Despite being higher ranked and playing on home turf, the BYU Cougars enter this week’s much-anticipated rivalry matchup against Utah as the underdogs — and they’re not happy about it.
At 6–0 this season and 17–2 since 2024, BYU has built an impressive record under head coach Kalani Sitake, yet the oddsmakers still favor Utah, ranked No. 23, heading into Saturday’s game at LaVell Edwards Stadium.
For the 15th-ranked Cougars, it’s a familiar feeling — being overlooked, underestimated, and, as they see it, disrespected.
“We’ve been here before,” Sitake said earlier this week. “We don’t control the odds — we control how we play.”
BYU’s Case for Respect
Last season, BYU’s 10–2 record wasn’t enough to earn a spot in the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff, even though the Cougars defeated SMU — a team that made the cut at 11–2.
This year, BYU’s perfect start includes dramatic comeback road wins over Colorado and Arizona, yet they remain underdogs against Utah.
Since the start of 2024, BYU’s only losses have come by a combined nine points, to Kansas and eventual Big 12 champion Arizona State.
Still, the betting line favors Utah — despite the traditional 3-point edge given to home teams.
For Cougar Nation, that’s all the motivation they need.
Whittingham’s Silence Adds Fuel
Adding to the tension, Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham — a former BYU linebacker who played on four Cougar championship teams from 1978 to 1981 — had little to say when asked about BYU’s breakout freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier.
“I’m just going to focus on us this week — our guys, our coaches,” Whittingham said. “I’m not going to give much thought on the opponent.”
To BYU fans, that brief response reeked of dismissiveness.
Meanwhile, Sitake took the high road, offering praise for Utah quarterback Devon Dampier, calling him “super talented” and “well-coached.”
“He has great vision — in the passing and running game,” Sitake said. “Whatever you need him to do, he’ll do it. He’s tough and composed.”
The contrast in tone hasn’t gone unnoticed by fans or media, reigniting the fierce rivalry between the two Utah programs.
What’s at Stake
Utah enters the matchup 5–1, recovering quickly after a 24-point home loss to Texas Tech, the current Big 12 powerhouse backed by major NIL funding.
Since that setback, the Utes have dominated West Virginia and Arizona State, winning by a combined 66 points.
For Utah, a win keeps them alive in the Big 12 title race. For BYU, victory would do more than that — it would finally validate their national standing.
A second conference loss for Utah could crush its playoff hopes, while a win for BYU would solidify them as legitimate contenders heading into a brutal five-game stretch, including matchups with Texas Tech and No. 24 Cincinnati.
A Rivalry That Defines Seasons
In Utah, this game is more than just football — it’s about bragging rights, legacy, and respect.
BYU players have embraced the underdog role, using it as fuel for their preparation.
“Disrespect is nothing new to us,” one senior player said. “We just plan to settle it on the field.”
If the Cougars can topple Utah, they won’t just strengthen their Big 12 résumé — they’ll remind everyone that the most dangerous team is the one nobody believes in.
