Utah Triumphs Over BYU in Thrilling Holy War Showdown

In a highly anticipated rivalry clash, the No. 23 Utah Utes faced off against the No. 15 BYU Cougars in the 2025 edition of the Holy War at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo. The matchup was notable not only for its historic significance but also because it marked the first time since 2009 that both teams entered the game ranked in the Top 25, intensifying the stakes for both programs and their passionate fan bases. Utah’s 49-24 victory over BYU was a game filled with drama, momentum shifts, and standout individual performances, all broadcast live on ESPN. The Utes, now 6-1 (3-1 Big 12), outgained the previously unbeaten Cougars 404 to 296 in total yards, executing a balanced attack and capitalizing on crucial moments. Quarterback Devon Dampier led Utah with 176 passing yards (13/24, 1 TD, 1 INT) and added a rushing dimension, while Daniel Bray emerged as a key playmaker with 121 rushing yards and a game-changing 49-yard touchdown sweep that gave Utah its first lead in the fourth quarter. Wide receiver Ryan Davis also contributed 52 receiving yards and a touchdown, further stretching the BYU defense. The Cougars, who entered the contest 6-0 (3-0 Big 12), leaned on freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier, who went 11-of-20 for 154 yards and a touchdown. Running back LJ Martin added 84 rushing yards, and Parker Kingston chipped in with 50 receiving yards. Defensively, Max Alford and F. Satuala registered 12 tackles each, but the BYU defense struggled to contain Utah’s explosive plays in key moments. The game was a true back-and-forth battle. BYU struck first in the second quarter with a Bachmeier-to-Chase Roberts touchdown, but Utah answered with a Dampier-to-Davis connection to tie it up before halftime. A muffed punt by Utah late in the first half gave BYU a chance to take the lead, which they did, entering the locker room up 10-7. The third quarter featured crucial fourth-down stops by both defenses, but the Utes’ ability to convert big plays—highlighted by Bray’s breakaway touchdown—swung the momentum. Penalties and missed opportunities in the red zone haunted BYU, while Utah’s aggressive play-calling paid dividends down the stretch. The atmosphere in Provo was electric, with the student section filling up hours before kickoff and social media buzzing with updates from @BYUfootball and @Utah_Football. The rivalry’s intensity was evident on and off the field, and Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark was in attendance, underscoring the game’s significance in the conference landscape. Historically, the Holy War is among college football’s fiercest rivalries. According to the official Utah Utes Football History vs Brigham Young University, the series has often featured memorable finishes and high stakes, with both programs trading iconic victories. Last season, BYU narrowly escaped with a 22-21 win thanks to a last-second field goal by Will Ferrin, but this year, Utah exacted revenge with a statement performance on enemy turf. From a statistical and betting perspective, Utah entered as a slight underdog but surpassed expectations with a +108 moneyline payout for those who backed the Utes. The game’s total (over/under) was set at 49.5, and Utah’s late offensive surge helped push the score past many projections. Both teams will look to build on this high-profile contest as the Big 12 race heats up in the coming weeks. For extended highlights, stats, and live coverage, check out the official Utah vs. BYU Gamecast on ESPN and follow ongoing analysis from KSL Sports and Yahoo Sports.