College Football8 Nov 20261 minute read

Early Energy and Loud Fans Mark 98th Holy War

Utah fans brought early energy and loud shouts on Saturday morning for the 98th Holy War matchup against rival BYU.

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Early Morning Energy in Salt Lake City

The 98th Holy War between Utah and BYU started early on Saturday morning. A 10 a.m. local kickoff led to intense sights and sounds well before breakfast. Fans in red filled tailgates near the University of Utah stadium by 7 a.m. while temperatures hovered around 31 degrees.

Utah supporters shouted harsh language and booed visitors wearing blue. Fraternity banners hung from houses with messages mocking BYU and quarterback Bear Bachmeier. Fans even filled the top rungs of the stadium shortly after 9 a.m. as excitement built for the top 10 matchup.

Clashing Cultures 45 Miles Apart

The two campuses sit 45 miles apart. BYU is located in Provo, while Utah plays in Salt Lake City. About 98 percent of BYU students belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, compared to about 36 percent at Utah.

Fans from both sides see the tension clearly. Kris Eschmeyer, a 2000 BYU graduate who attended the tailgate, described the dynamic as self righteous versus Babylon. He noted that the day allows some fans an opportunity to step away from standard behavior for friendly banter. BYU had won the previous three meetings, while Utah had won nine straight before that run.

Coaches Focus on Good Will

Utah coach Morgan Scalley and BYU coach Kalani Sitake worked to keep the rivalry focused on good will rather than toxic behavior. Former Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham, who now head coaches at Michigan, previously compared the intensity of this series to the biggest games in college football.

Both schools feature historic hillside traditions. The U letter was created in 1905, while the Y letter followed in 1906.

What it means for the next game

Utah Utes at Arizona Wildcats (College Football, Sat, 14 Nov): Arizona Wildcats win 43%, Utah Utes win 57%; projected score Arizona Wildcats 25, Utah Utes 27. Our safest pick: Arizona +12.5.

Baylor Bears at BYU Cougars (College Football, Sat, 14 Nov): BYU Cougars win 64%, Baylor Bears win 36%; projected score BYU Cougars 28, Baylor Bears 21. Our safest pick: Over 38.5 points.