Look for: Watch BYU’s outside defender when Utah shows a handoff to running back Wayshawn Parker.

If you see it: If that defender dives inside and Dampier keeps the ball, look for the next BYU defender arriving from depth.

Here's what it means: A late second defender gives Utah a chance to turn a routine option into a long gain. Holding the edge forces Utah to earn yards through traffic.

Look for: Watch BYU’s first-down runs and the distance left on third down.

If you see it: If BYU repeatedly faces third-and-long, notice whether Utah’s rushers stop respecting a handoff and attack the passer.

Here's what it means: Shorter third downs preserve Bachmeier’s running threat. Long ones let Utah narrow its attention to passing routes and the scramble.

BYU · Quarterback (QB)

BYU’s quarterback has 1,750 passing yards, 12 touchdown passes and four interceptions, plus 336 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns in the school’s 2026 notes. A defender assigned to the running back cannot assume the ball will leave Bachmeier’s hands. His legs can turn a sound-looking defensive alignment into one defender too few.

Utah · Quarterback (QB)

Utah’s quarterback has completed 158 of 227 passes for 1,876 yards, 18 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Utah also identifies him among the quarterbacks with at least 350 rushing yards and a passing efficiency rating of 150 or better. BYU must pressure him without opening a running lane; a hurried throw and a free escape are very different outcomes.

BYU · Wide Receiver (WR)

BYU’s receiver has 32 catches for 585 yards and four touchdowns, an 18.3-yard average in the school’s notes. If Utah moves a safety toward the line to handle the quarterback run, Glasker is a reason to reconsider. Watch whether BYU gets him the ball with room to turn upfield rather than asking him to win every catch in traffic.

Utah · Running Back (RB)

Utah’s running back has 726 yards and nine touchdowns on 109 carries, per ESPN. That is about 6.7 yards per carry. If BYU’s front cannot handle Parker without extra help, the Cougars will have fewer defenders available to account for Dampier on the edge or receivers behind them.

BYU · Running Back (RB)

BYU’s running back has 344 yards and three touchdowns on 44 carries this season. His status remains uncertain: BYU On SI reports that Wednesday’s official report listed him doubtful, while ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported a possible limited return. Neither a full workload nor an absence should be assumed. Even if he dresses, watch what BYU actually asks him to do.

Utah · Wide Receiver (WR)

Utah’s receiver has 39 catches, 505 yards and six touchdowns, per ESPN. A defense that commits too many bodies to Parker and Dampier risks leaving him isolated. The important clue is whether BYU can keep help over the top while still closing the running lanes.

ESPN’s eight-game averages: BYU produces 397.9 yards and allows 298.8; Utah produces 485.4 and allows 330.4. Utah’s 226.9 rushing yards meet a BYU defense allowing 100.0. In the other direction, BYU’s 175.4 rushing yards meet Utah’s 101.4 allowed. The better rushing offense will still have to beat a defense accustomed to limiting the run.

BYU’s notes show 50 conversions in 99 third-down attempts and touchdowns on 26 of 34 red-zone trips. Utah’s preview lists a 105.96 defensive passing-efficiency rating, sixth nationally. Those measures point toward a specific test: can BYU sustain drives without relying on difficult late-down throws, then finish them with seven points?

Avoid early giveaways and keep the opening possessions competitive. Utah’s first-quarter record makes a short field especially costly; BYU needs time to establish what is working before the score forces its hand.

Do not let the pursuit of Parker erase responsibility for Dampier. Keep outside leverage and make the quarterback cut back toward help. An explosive run is often the result of one defender abandoning an assignment.

Use Glasker when Utah brings support toward Bachmeier. BYU needs enough early-down passing success to stop the Utes from crowding the line, particularly if Martin is unavailable or limited.

Establish Parker without forgetting the quarterback keeper. An early lead lets Utah keep both threats active instead of asking Dampier to solve everything as a passer.

Close inside running lanes first, then keep the rush disciplined around Bachmeier. A third-down scramble that moves the chains undoes the work of the first two downs.

Dampier’s seven interceptions show the cost of forcing an answer. Against a rival capable of extending drives, a throwaway or a field-goal attempt can be more valuable than an ambitious pass into help.

The less obvious matchup is the defender behind the first tackle attempt. Both quarterbacks can make the first decision look wrong. If a linebacker or safety arrives under control, the defense can contain the damage; if he takes the same angle as the first defender, a small mistake can become a long run.

Utah has the more productive offense and the comfort of playing at home. BYU has already shown it can beat a national contender and has a quarterback who can keep a broken play alive. If the Cougars survive the opening quarter without chasing a multi-score deficit, this can become the kind of late-possession argument the rivalry knows well. If Utah wins early downs and forces BYU into obvious passing situations, its unbeaten run has a clear path to continue.

November 25, 2006, in Salt Lake City: quarterback John Beck kept the final play alive, then found tight end Jonny Harline in the end zone as time expired. BYU won 33-31. The school’s game recap records the finish that still needs only two surnames to summon a memory. It is a perfect Holy War warning: a play is not over because the defense has made it uncomfortable.

BYU’s notes begin with 1922 and list Utah ahead 59-34-4; Utah’s broader historical count is 62-37-4. Even the record books carry traces of the rivalry. The recent result is unambiguous: BYU won 24-21 in 2025. Saturday is the first meeting with both teams in the AP top 10, adding a national audience to a game that already matters intensely at home.

Which matters more in this Holy War: Utah’s first-quarter dominance or BYU’s experience beating Notre Dame?

If LJ Martin is limited, should BYU lean harder on Bachmeier’s legs or make Utah defend the receivers early?

Beck to Harline still defines a finish. Which quarterback would you trust with one final possession on Saturday?