Scalley recalls rivalry history ahead of top-10 Utah-BYU clash
Utah coach Morgan Scalley reflected on the rivalry as No. 3 Utah prepares to face No. 7 BYU on November 7. The teams’ first-ever matchup between two top-10 programs could shape their paths to the Big 12 championship game.
Morgan Scalley knows the Utah-BYU rivalry as a former Utes player and longtime coach. Now in his first season as Utah’s head coach, he recalled playing through a torn meniscus in 2003 to take part in a 3-0 win over BYU. He underwent surgery on November 17 and took the field again on November 22, with Utah earning an outright conference title for the first time since 1957.
The Utes held BYU to 156 yards in that freezing game in Provo, ending the Cougars’ run of scoring in every home game since 1970. Scalley also remembered Utah’s 52-21 win in 2004, which completed an undefeated season and secured a Fiesta Bowl berth.
This year’s game brings together No. 3 Utah and No. 7 BYU, the first time the rivals have both entered the matchup ranked in the top 10. Utah is 8-0 under Scalley. A win would give the Utes a tiebreaker advantage over BYU and some breathing room in the race for the Big 12 title game; both teams have three regular-season games remaining after the rivalry contest.
The coaches have a history beyond the rivalry: Scalley and BYU coach Kalani Sitake worked together at Utah, where Sitake was defensive coordinator. Scalley described Sitake as a close friend and a fierce competitor. The coaches hope their cordial relationship can set an example for fans amid the rivalry’s heated atmosphere.