The Holy War will take place for the last time before a two-year hiatus, as Utah travels to Provo to take on the BYU Cougars. Television coverage begins at 10:15 p.m. ET on ESPN2.
How to watch Utah vs. BYU: Preview, TV schedule, odds and more
The Holy War kicks off for the last time until 2016.
Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports
The two teams will not face each other in 2014 and 2015 -- the first time since 1943-45 that the schools did not play each other. BYU did not field a team during that period due to World War II -- this time, the teams will not play due to a fear of over-scheduling.
The Utes are 2-1 on the year, defeating Utah State 30-26 in a tightly contested opener before easing past Weber State 70-7 in Week 2. The Utes were handed their first loss of the year in Week 3, when Sean Mannion’s fifth touchdown pass of the day led the Oregon State Beavers to a 51-48 overtime win in Salt Lake City.
After a 19-16 opening loss to Virginia that looks more disappointing now after seeing the paths the two teams have taken since, BYU demolished Texas 40-21, running for a school-record 550 yards and costing Texas defensive coordinator Manny Diaz his job.
The numbers
Rankings and records: Neither team received votes in either poll. Utah holds a 56-34-4 all-time lead in the series and has won the last three matchups between the schools.
Vegas: BYU opened as a 6.5-point home favorite. The over/under is 61.5 points. OddsShark has more.
Weather: High of 81, low of 52, mostly sunny with a slight chance of rain.
Three names to know
Travis Wilson. The word “legend” has been thrown around about the Utah quarterback, as the sophomore has already eclipsed his touchdown total from last season, with a combined 12 through three games in 2013.
Taysom Hill. Wilson may have had the better season so far, but Hill had one of the best games ever by a quarterback two weeks ago against Texas. He ran 17 times for 259 yards and three touchdowns against the Longhorns’ D, and the Utes will have to make sure to contain him Saturday.
Kyle Van Noy. One of the top defensive players in the nation, Van Noy had an insane 22 tackles for a loss last season and already has three-and-a-half this year. If he can give Wilson a difficult time of things, it could be a long day for the Utes.
Two things at stake
After three straight losses in the Holy War, BYU is looking to grab back superiority in the rivalry, without another opportunity for three more years.
An early win against Utah State was promising for the Utes, but a loss against Oregon State (who lost to Eastern Washington) was not a good sign. With a road win in Provo, Utah would prove they are the real deal this year.
How to witness
TV: 10:15 p.m. ET on ESPN2.
Radio: For Utah, the game will be on ESPN700. Here’s a list of affiliates for BYU.
Online streaming: WatchESPN.
Further reading
For the Utah perspective, head to Block U. For the BYU side of the rivalry, check out Vanquish The Foe.
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