The ninth-ranked BYU Cougars, who remain unbeaten this season, will take on the Utah Utes in an exciting NCAA football matchup set for Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah. This game will feature BYU’s standout quarterback Jake Retzlaff against Utah’s dynamic running back Micah Bernard.
Fans can catch the action live at 10:15 p.m. ET on ESPN. For those looking to watch the game online, options include a free trial of DirecTV Stream or fuboTV, as well as a discounted rate for Sling TV.
As both teams prepare for this crucial encounter, it marks the first meeting between BYU and Utah as conference rivals since 2010. BYU aims to maintain their perfect record and solidify their position at the top of the Big 12 standings, while Utah seeks to break a four-game losing streak and inch closer to bowl eligibility.
A pivotal point in the game will be how well Utah’s offense performs against BYU’s tough defense, which ranks fourth among FBS teams in pass efficiency. BYU has excelled in creating turnovers, with 18 takeaways and 14 interceptions so far in the season. Meanwhile, Utah has struggled offensively, with a league-high 12 interceptions.
Both teams have key players to watch: for Utah, head coach Kyle Whittingham is deciding on a starting quarterback between Isaac Wilson and Brandon Rose, both of whom need to execute efficiently against BYU’s defense. For BYU, running backs LJ Martin and Hinckley Ropati are expected to play significant roles, particularly with Martin averaging 100 yards in recent games.
With BYU averaging 37.6 points per game against Big 12 opponents and Utah’s strong defensive metrics, this contest is shaping up to be a critical showdown with major implications for both teams.
This matchup not only showcases talent on both sides but also presents a potential turning point in the season for the Utes. Fans can look forward to a night of thrilling college football, as the stakes are high for both teams in the quest for victory.
In summary, the game promises excitement, skill, and the drama typical of college football rivalries. Whether you’re rooting for the Cougars or the Utes, it’s a matchup that football fans won’t want to miss.