The Holy War takes center stage in Week 10 as BYU and Utah meet in Salt Lake City for one of the biggest games in the rivalry’s history.
Our expert BYU vs. Utah best bets feature four Covers analysts weighing in on the spread and first-half total, with kickoff scheduled for noon ET on Saturday, Nov. 7.
BYU vs Utah expert picks for Week 10
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 Probability |
|
|---|---|
 Brad Powers: First Half Under 23.5 |
49% |
 Rob Paul: Utah -4.5 |
49% |
 Colby Marchio: BYU +4.5 |
51% |
 Chris Vasile: Utah -4.5 |
49% |
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Brad Powers’ expert pick: Under 23.5 first half
This is the biggest game in the 130-year history of the rivalry, with both teams ranked in the Top 10 for the first time. I believe the unusual 10 a.m. local kickoff and unprecedented stakes will lead to a slow start.
We saw something similar last year when Utah hosted Texas Tech at the same kickoff time and the teams combined for just 13 first-half points. Traditionally, this has been a lower-scoring series, with the last six meetings averaging 19 first-half points. I'm backing the first-half Under 23.5.
Rob Paul’s expert pick: Utah -4.5
Utah hasn't won the Holy War since 2019, but Morgan Scalley can change that in his first year as the Utes' head coach. BYU has been wildly inconsistent in recent weeks, following its upset of No. 2 Notre Dame with a double-overtime loss to UCF and nearly blowing a lead against an Arizona State team starting a true freshman quarterback.
The Cougars' defense could be exposed against a lethal Utah rushing attack led by Devon Dampier and Wayshawn Parker, with a nasty offensive line headlined by potential first-round pick Zereoue Williams. Kevin McGiven's misdirection-heavy offense ranks 19th nationally in EPA per rush and should frequently put BYU's ultra-aggressive linebackers in difficult spots.
Scalley's team also has an advantage on the other side of the ball, especially with BYU star LJ Martin likely to be limited if he plays. The Utes' defense ranks in the top 20 nationally in points allowed per opportunity (2.70), success rate (39.4%), and third- and fourth-down success rate (37.7%). The Cougars are asking too much of Bear Bachmeier to bail them out again.
Colby Marchio’s expert pick: BYU +4.5
Kickoff time should be charged as a war crime. TEN O'CLOCK A.M.?! Is this my little brother's peewee game? I digress...
The dog is barking in this one, with BYU catching 4.5 points against archrival Utah. I think BYU's win over Notre Dame speaks volumes about how well this team stacks up against elite talent, while Utah's biggest win came against Houston, whose biggest win came against Oklahoma State. I don't think it compares.
BYU had time to clean up its mess following the loss to UCF, playing a tough first half against Arizona State before taking its foot off the gas in the second. Meanwhile, Utah put the belt to the Bearcats' bottom in Cincinnati, picking up a 49-25 win.
Sure, the Utes will have a massive home-field advantage, but in a game that's likely to be a complete rock fight, I'll take the cushion and ride the dog.
Chris Vasile’s expert pick: Utah -4.5
Utah has been rolling offensively, and its ground game could be the difference in this rivalry. The Utes average 5.4 yards per carry and rank seventh nationally in offensive SP+, while BYU sits 74th in rushing success rate allowed.
The Cougars could also be without leading rusher LJ Martin, who's listed as doubtful. With Devon Dampier capable of making plays with both his arm and legs, I like Utah to control this game at home and win comfortably.
BYU vs Utah odds for Week 10
How to watch BYU vs Utah
| Location | Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, Utah |
| Date | Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 12 p.m. ET |
| TV | ABC |
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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