Utah Wins Holy War as Kalani Sitake Praises Morgan Scalley

Utah quarterback Devon Dampier leaped onto a sideline cart at Rice-Eccles Stadium on November 7, 2026, soaking in chants for the Heisman Trophy after carrying the third-ranked Utes to a 28-20 victory over No. 9 BYU.

The first-ever Holy War matchup between top-10 teams lived up to its billing through six turnovers and wild momentum swings. Utah improved to 9-0 and secured its first win over the Cougars since 2019, extending the nation’s longest active winning streak to 15 games.

Yet after the dust settled on a game featuring massive playoff and Big 12 championship implications, BYU head coach Kalani Sitake focused his postgame remarks on respect and his close relationship with opposing coach Morgan Scalley.

Both teams arrived at Rice-Eccles Stadium ready for the 10:00 a.m. local time kickoff, with a sellout crowd in attendance. The Utes wasted no time establishing control when Dampier scored on a 22-yard run just 1:15 into the first quarter at 10:10 a.m. local time, marking their eighth opening touchdown drive of the season.

Dampier followed that up by connecting with Braden Pegan on a 46-yard strike to build a quick 14-0 lead in the opening minutes.

However, BYU responded vigorously. Bear Bachmeier found a streaking Legend Glasker for a 75-yard touchdown on the first play of a drive to cut the lead to 14-13. The Cougars capitalized on subsequent opportunities and carried a 20-14 lead into halftime.

BYU’s offensive efforts ultimately outgained Utah 391 yards to 328 yards, aided by Sione Moa’s 37 rushing yards on 10 carries and LJ Martin’s return to action yielding 19 yards on seven carries. Tight end Walker Lyons also delivered a standout performance for the Cougars, hauling in seven catches for 97 yards, while Bodie Schoonover anchored the defensive line with a pair of sacks and a forced fumble alongside Keanu Tanuvasa’s three tackles-for-loss.

Respect and Rivalry at Midfield

"Congratulations to Morgan. It’s good to see him at midfield, and I love that guy," Sitake told reporters postgame, according to the Deseret News. Sitake noted that Rice-Eccles Stadium is a tough venue where he previously coached, expressing pride in his own program while acknowledging the historic back-and-forth nature of the rivalry. Sitake later added, "What a cool, respectful game.

Even after when (Utah fans) stormed the field, we didn’t have anything that was too dramatic. Given how many supporters were thrilled and merely offering congratulations, I want to say congratulations to Utah as well, and my apologies go out to all of Cougar Nation. We’ll try to keep plugging away and make sure that we’re better next week."

Scalley echoed that sentiment of sportsmanship, praising BYU’s preparation and play. I have nothing but respect for Kalani, that staff, Scalley said, as reported by Gephardt Daily. We cannot let the joy of this distract us from what the ultimate goal is."

Turnovers Define the Cougar Collapse

BYU (7-2) watched a promising path slip away as Bachmeier threw a career-worst four interceptions, doubling his season total after entering the game having thrown only four all season. Bachmeier completed 21 of 35 passes for 272 yards with one touchdown and 59 rushing yards.

Each turnover occurred on Utah’s side of the 50-yard line inside scoring territory, including a disastrous sequence where Bachmeier threw his third interception of the day during a 3rd-and-goal at the 2-yard line when the Cougars were one mediocre rush away from tying the game. And unfortunately, they made a lot of really good plays on the ball.

Utah’s defense took over in the second half, registering four interceptions for the first time since recording four against Oregon State on October 1, 2022. Lance Holtzclaw intercepted Bachmeier on BYU’s opening possession of the third quarter.

Later, senior linebacker Trey Reynolds intercepted a pass in the red zone with 4:39 remaining to extinguish a promising BYU drive, and senior safety Nate Ritchie snagged a desperation Hail Mary pass intended for Kyler Kasper in the end zone with just two seconds left on the clock to seal the 28-20 win.

Looking Ahead in the Big 12 Race

Utah remains in the driver’s seat for the Big 12 championship and a historic spot in the College Football Playoff, carrying a 15-game winning streak as they prepare to travel to face No. 22 Arizona next Saturday. BYU looks to bounce back when it plays Baylor next week, followed by remaining matchups against Kansas and Cincinnati.