BYU Must Win to Keep Undefeated Streak Alive
- BYU and Utah will meet for the first time as conference rivals since 2010.
- The Cougars are currently 8-0 and lead the Big 12 standings, needing a win to remain undefeated.
- A victory for Utah is essential to end their four-game slide and move closer to bowl eligibility.
On November 9, 2024, the No. 9 ranked BYU Cougars will face their archrival Utah Utes in a pivotal college football matchup. This game marks the first time these two conference rivals have met since 2010. Currently, BYU holds a perfect record of 8-0 and leads the Big 12 standings with a 5-0 conference record. A win against Utah is critical for BYU to remain undefeated and solidify their position at the top of the conference. Utah, with a 4-4 record and struggling at 1-4 in Big 12 play, is coming off a four-game losing streak. A victory would not only halt this slump but also edge them closer to bowl eligibility. Both teams have been facing challenges; BYU has excelled defensively with 18 takeaways, while Utah has struggled with interceptions, having thrown 12 this season, ranking last in the Big 12. The matchup showcases several key players. BYU's running backs, LJ Martin and Hinckley Ropati, are healthy and have been impactful this season. The Utes, under coach Kyle Whittingham, will decide between quarterbacks Isaac Wilson and Brandon Rose to lead their offense in hopes of being more effective than in their last outing against Houston. Overall, this clash is crucial not just for bragging rights but also for the aspirations of both teams as they navigate the remainder of the season.