It’s a football season-defining weekend for BYU and Utah Utes
Nov 10, 2023, 9:00 PM
Brigham Young University Cougars quarterback Kedon Slovis (10) catches a snap during a football game against the Cincinnati Bearcats at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. BYU won 35-27. (Kristin Murphy, Deseret News)
(Kristin Murphy, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY — Both Brigham Young University Cougars and Utah Utes football games this weekend will have major implications for their seasons.
If BYU beats Iowa State tomorrow, they’re going to a bowl game. But if they don’t, their only chances left to get that elusive sixth win will have to be against two nationally-ranked teams.
BYU Head Coach Kalani Sitake said they know they need to bring their all against the Cyclones.
“That’s the thing that stands out, they played the game with a certain level of toughness and I’m looking forward to getting our guys to answer,” he said.
Kickoff is at 8:15 p.m. tomorrow and pregame starts at 6:00 p.m. on KSL Newsradio.
The Utah Utes on the other hand are trying to take down the undefeated Washington Huskies in Seattle. They must win to have a chance of returning to the PAC 12 Title Game.
KSL Sports Utah Utes Insider Michelle Botkin told KSL NewsRadio that Washington is currently ranked in the top five. They’re the only undefeated time in the Pac-12 right now.
“Utah is a pretty well-respected team this year, and so that would be a really good win for them,” Botkin said. “But if they lose, then they might drop back a spot or two.”
So while there’s a chance the Utes will win, it will be a tough game. Head Coach Kyle Whittingham said the team is getting ready to play in front of 70,000 screaming fans.
“It’s a hostile environment, they have a home-field advantage with that crowd, and like I said the loudness is something you gotta prepare for,” he said.
Kickoff from Seattle is at 1:30 p.m.
Kristine Weller contributed to this story.
