Vaughn Dalzell · NBC Sports Thu, November 5, 2026 at 3:30 PM UTC · 9 min read About Our Ads Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Big 12 is heating up, and the conference's biggest game of the year takes place this Saturday at Rice-Eccles Stadium between #9 BYU (7-1) and #3 Utah (8-0). It's the Holy War! Both teams sit atop the Big 12, and the winner of this game is likely in the Big 12 Championship, whereas the loser can't afford another loss to make the conference title game.
Utah is enjoying its highest ranking in program history, and depending on what happens this weekend, the Utes could end up No. 1. Devon Dampier has led an electric offense averaging 38.9 points per game (11th) in Kyle Whittingham 's first season at the helm, but the defense has been incredible! The Utes have been a tank from the start. Utah averages 10.3 first-quarter points per game (T-4th) and allows 0.9 (1st) defensively. Utah has gassed up opponents early and carried a lead late; that's been their M.O. Utah is on the nation's longest winning streak, 14 games, after thrashing Cincinnati 49-25. The last loss came against BYU 24-21 last season. Utah can get revenge and, in the same breath, claim control of their destiny and the Big 12.
If BYU loses to Utah, the Cougars' college football hopes will rely on winning the Big 12 Championship. With a loss to UCF, BYU put their season on thin ice as Utah, BYU, and Texas Tech battle for the top two spots. BYU had a strong first half against Arizona State last week, leading 17-3 at the break, but was outscored 17-10 in the second half. BYU could get a boost this week with star running back and 2025 Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year LJ Martin returning. Martin has missed the last four games and put a lot of the offensive pressure on Bear Bachmeier . While reports say Martin won't be 100 percent if he plays, at least he could be a decoy that sets up Bachmeier in RPO or the downfield pass game.
Let's dive into the schools on both sides of the ball, look at a few key players, and see where the numbers take us.
Moneyline: Utah Utes (-198), BYU Cougars (+164)
Head Coach: Kyle Whittingham 2026 Record: 8-0 (5-0) Offensive Points Per Game: 38.9 (11th) Defensive Points Per Game: 15.8 (15th) 2026 Strength of Schedule: 83rd 2026 Remaining Strength of Schedule: 34th
After scoring a season-low 21 points in the win over Houston, Utah scored a season-best against P4 programs, putting up 49 points against Cincinnati. The Utes had 27 first downs, converted 7-of-11 third downs, posted 534 yards of offense, and averaged 6.4 yards per carry. Utah scored a ridiculous 42 points in the first half and led 42-6 at the half. The Utes scored on all four of their offensive drives in the first half, and the defense recorded a pick-six and fumble return for a touchdown. The Utes didn't score on the first four drives of the second half, but it didn't make much of a difference; the damage was already done to the Bearcats. Utah enters hot and ready for a shootout at 10 AM their time!
Utah Player to Watch on Offense: QB Devon Dampier
For the third time in the last four games, Devon Dampier threw three touchdown passes and 200-plus yards in seven straight. Dampier's been on fire, and even when he's not slinging touchdowns, he's running for them. Dampier had 150 rushing yards and two touchdowns against Houston, then turned around and threw for three scores on Cincinnati. In the last four games, Dampier has 12 total touchdowns to one interception and averaged 309.5 total yards in that span, with Utah scoring 34.5 points per game. The Utes have been a tank, and if they win this game, Dampier can jump into the top five odds for the Heisman.
Utah's defense has been one of my favorite units to watch this season. They fly around and lay the boom on opponents from the opening drive. Utah allowed over 200 yards in the first half, but Cincinnati couldn't convert in the red zone, nor on the money downs. Cincinnati went 3-of-13 on third and fourth downs and only managed a 24:30 time of possession. It was a dominant performance from Utah, and in the first quarter, they've been the best team all season. Utah's defense has allowed six total first-quarter points all season and a 0.9 first-quarter points-per-game average, which leads the country. Getting off to a quick start seems impossible for opponents this season; let's see what BYU can do.
Utah Player to Watch on Defense: DB Jackson Bennee
In Utah's biggest game of the season, Jackson Bennee posted a season-high eight tackles, had a sack, forced and recovered a fumble against Houston, then recorded four tackles against Cincinnati the following week. Bennee ranks third on the Utes with 36 tackles, third in pass deflections (4), and tied for the team lead in interceptions (2). Bennee led the team in picks last year (4) and was second in tackles (63), so he's off to another strong season.
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Head Coach: Kalani Staki 2026 Record: 7-1 (4-1) Offensive Points Per Game: 34.2 (T-44th) Defensive Points Per Game: 18.7 (T-25th) 2026 Strength of Schedule: 45th 2026 Remaining Strength of Schedule: 35th
BYU's offense has been a little erratic since LJ Martin went down versus TCU (17-10 win). BYU has at least stayed consistent with scoring: 24, 28, 31, and 27 points during that span. However, the rushing yardage has decreased each game and has lost the turnover battle 6-2 in that span, with at least one turnover in every game. Bear Bachmeier rose to Heisman candidacy after beating Notre Dame with four touchdowns, but after the loss to UCF and a seven-point win over Arizona State, he's on the outside looking in. A win at Utah would help his case in a weekend where the Heisman Trophy race will have major chaos. BYU ranks 42th in passing grades per PFF and Utah is 47th in coverage grades, so that will be the biggest battle, outside of these massive offensive lines clashing in the trenches.
BYU Player to Watch on Offense: RB LJ Martin
LJ Martin has missed the last four games, and in that span, BYU has run for 177, 121, 116, and 47 rushing yards without Martin. Last season, Martin ran for 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns, plus added 255 receiving yards on 35 catches. Martin was hurt against TCU, and the game prior, he posted a season-high 176 rushing yards and three touchdowns against Colorado State. Whether he is or is not 100 percent, Martin can be utilized in the red zone and short-yardage situations, plus the senior would be a great decoy for play-action early.
BYU's defense had one of its best first-half showings of the season against Arizona State. The Cougars held the Sun Devils to 107 yards and three points in the first half, but the second half was a different story. BYU gave up two straight touchdown drives of 12 and 13 plays for 81 and 39 yards. After that, a punt and field goal pulled the game within seven. BYU played the second half very conservatively in order to hold onto the win and come out healthy. BYU had six sacks, 8 TFL, and forced two fumbles. It was a bounce-back performance, to say the least, after allowing 463 yards to UCF and a season-high 39.
BYU Player to Watch on Defense: LB Cade Uluave
After 26 tackles over the last three games, Cade Uluave is the team's leading tackler with 52. Uluave had seven tackles and a sack against Arizona State last week after 10 tackles in the loss to UCF. Uluave led Cal last year with 97 tackles, was second in sacks (3.5), and fourth in pass deflections (4). Uluave has been a four-year starter in college and is an Utah native (South Jordan, UT). This will be a memorable game for Uluave; playing in his first and only Holy War.
Utah ranks tied second-best in the country with a 7-1 ATS record
Utah is an NCAA-best 5-0 ATS at home and 3-2 to the Under
Utah is 4-1 ATS in conference play and 4-1 to the Over
Utah is 13-10 ATS and 13-10 to the Over versus ranked opponents since 2021
Utah is 24-12 ATS at home since 2021, ranking eighth-best nationally
Utah is 14-0 on the ML in the last 14 games
BYU is 6-2 ATS, ranking tied for fifth-best (0-2 ATS in the last two)
BYU is 17-10 ATS as an away underdog with Kalani Sitake
BYU is 14-13 to the Over as an away underdog with Sitake
BYU is 21-20-1 ATS in conference games with Sitake
BYU is 21-21 to the Over in conference games with Sitake
BYU is 16-11 ATS against ranked opponents with Sitake
"Utah has been easy money in the first quarter this season. For the fifth straight week, I am going under their opponents' first-quarter team total. Utah has only allowed six total points in the first quarter, and no one has scored more than three points on them all year in the first. BYU may get LJ Martin back, which could throw off any rhythm Bear Bachmeier and this Cougars' offense may have had entering, but it wasn't much, to be honest. BYU struggled in the second half versus Arizona State, whereas Utah showed no quit in a blowout over Cincinnati. I like Utah's defense to stand tall in the first quarter again and hold BYU under their first-quarter team total of 6.5 or 5.5, down to 3.5."
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Source: Sports
