BYU over Utah by 6 — For the first time in this long rivalry history between these two schools – known as the “Holy War” – they will meet to open the season.
This matchup might not have national interest, but place it on the real opening night of college football on ESPN and the war commences.
While picked by many to win the Pac-12 this season, the Utes will need to bring their ‘A’ game to Lavell Edwards Stadium against the mad-as-hell avenging Cougars.
Why is BYU madder than Troy Aikman at Doug Gottlieb? They blew a 20-0 halftime lead to the Utes in a 35-27 loss in last year’s confrontation, a game in which BYU outgained Utah, 357-296.
Head coach Kalani Sitake has been telling his team all of 2019 that this is their chance at home to turn the tables in their favor.
“I am feeding off the players’ energy,” Sitake said. “We knew after last year’s game what a missed opportunity we had.”
Utah is under a touchdown pick by the sportsbooks and the favorite is 7-18 ATS in the last 25 meetings.
The Cougs are also 4-0 ATS in Game Ones, as well as 4-1 ATS with revenge from a loss suffered the previous season. It’s tough to step in front of that sort of motivation, especially on a home field where the Mormons stand 63-16 SU overall since 2006.
While the Utes hold the coaching cards, we’re all-in with 17 returning starters and the major revenging hosts. We cement it with THE CLINCHER: BYU is 13-5 SU in home openers since 2001, including 5-1 ATS as a dog.
