The Holy War returns under the lights in Provo as the No. 23 Utah Utes (5-1) travel to face the unbeaten No. 15 BYU Cougars (6-0) at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Saturday, October 18, 2025. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET on FOX, making it one of the marquee matchups of the college football weekend.
How to Watch Utah vs. BYU
- Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
- Kickoff Time: 8 p.m. ET
- TV Channel: FOX
- Location: LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, Utah
- Weather Forecast: 60°F and clear (via AccuWeather)
Game Odds (via ESPN BET)
- Spread: Utah -3.5
- Total (Over/Under): 48.5 points
- Opening Line: Utah -3.5 | O/U 47.5
- Moneyline: Not available
Utah enters as a narrow favorite despite BYU’s perfect record and home-field advantage. With both teams ranked and playing high-level football, the matchup is expected to be a defensive chess match with flashes of explosive offense.
Game Preview
This year’s Holy War brings extra intrigue — both teams are ranked, both are thriving, and both are battling for national respect.
BYU has been one of the season’s biggest surprises, starting 6-0 behind a balanced attack led by quarterback Bachmeier and a physical rushing game powered by LJ Martin. Meanwhile, Utah is looking to keep its College Football Playoff hopes alive after a strong 5-1 start, leaning heavily on quarterback D. Dampier, who has been dynamic both through the air and on the ground.
Key Matchups and Players to Watch
Quarterbacks
- Utah: D. Dampier – 1,131 passing yards, 11 TDs, 3 INT; 378 rushing yards, 5 TDs
- BYU: B. Bachmeier – 1,220 passing yards, 8 TDs, 3 INT
Both quarterbacks are dual-threat playmakers capable of extending drives with their legs. Dampier’s versatility is a cornerstone of Utah’s offense, while Bachmeier’s efficient passing has kept BYU’s attack balanced.
Running Backs
- Utah: D. Dampier (QB) leads team with 378 rushing yards and 5 TDs
- BYU: L. Martin – 652 yards, 4 TDs
Martin’s production has been the key to BYU’s 6-0 start, giving the Cougars a reliable ground game to complement Bachmeier’s passing.
Top Receivers
- Utah: R. Davis – 416 yards, 2 TDs
- BYU: C. Roberts – 420 yards, 3 TDs
Both receivers are their teams’ go-to targets, capable of making big plays downfield.
Series and Rivalry Outlook
Few rivalries in college football carry as much passion as Utah vs. BYU. Known as the “Holy War,” this in-state clash is steeped in tradition and intensity. Utah has held the upper hand in recent years, but BYU’s unbeaten start and home-field energy could shift the balance.
Prediction
Expect a physical, low-scoring battle where turnovers and red-zone execution decide the outcome. Utah’s defense has been elite, but BYU’s home crowd and momentum could make this a nail-biter.
Projected Score: Utah 27, BYU 24