Will BYU Football’s Rivalry Game Move to Late November Where It Belongs?
The long-standing rivalry between BYU and Utah has been one of the most intense and fiercely contested matchups in college football. However, in recent years, the date of this historic game has become a point of contention among fans, players, and analysts. Historically, the rivalry game was a staple of late November, right before Thanksgiving, capturing the essence of the season with heightened emotions and high stakes. Yet, in recent years, the game has been played earlier in the season, leading to growing calls for a return to its traditional late November slot.
The rivalry game between the BYU Cougars and the Utah Utes, also known as the “Holy War,” is one of the most anticipated matchups in the state of Utah, drawing fans from both sides of the spectrum. Traditionally, the game was played toward the end of the regular season, in late November, just before bowl season. This timing allowed the game to have an added layer of significance, with both teams often fighting for postseason positioning and bragging rights.
However, as conference realignment took place over the years, particularly with BYU’s move to the Big 12 and Utah’s place in the Pac-12, scheduling logistics became more complicated. In recent seasons, the game has been moved to earlier in the season, often in September or October, which has disappointed many fans who feel that the rivalry deserves a grander, late-season stage.
One of the main arguments for moving the game back to late November is the emotional intensity that the rivalry creates in the final weeks of the season. When the game takes place near Thanksgiving, it carries with it more weight in terms of what’s at stake: bowl games, conference rankings, and the sheer pride that comes with claiming state supremacy. The intensity is heightened when both teams have had a full season to develop, making it a true test of who reigns supreme in the state of Utah.
For BYU fans, the late-November date holds sentimental value, tying together memories of classic, season-defining games. It’s also a perfect fit as both teams prepare for the final stretch of the season. Returning the rivalry to its rightful place could restore the magic and significance that made it such a thrilling contest.
As the Big 12 and Pac-12 adjust their scheduling formats in the coming years, there’s hope that the BYU-Utah rivalry will find its way back to its traditional late-November date, where it truly belongs. Whether or not that happens remains to be seen, but for many fans, a late-season clash would be the ideal way to cap off the football season.
