This year’s edition of the Holy War marks the first time since 2009 that both teams enter the matchup ranked, as the 5-1 Utah Utes make the short 50-mile trip south to face the unbeaten BYU Cougars in Provo, UT.
Despite being the higher-ranked team, riding a two-game win streak in the rivalry, and playing at home, the Cougars enter as slight underdogs.
Find out who I like in my Utah vs. BYU predictions and college football picks for Saturday, October 18.
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Utah vs BYU prediction
Utah vs BYU best bet: BYU +3.5 (-110 at FanDuel)
This spread seems a bit disrespectful to the BYU Cougars given that they are playing at home and undefeated on the season. They also have beaten the Utah Utes each of the last two times they faced each other. This may be a bit of an overreaction to Utah’s dominating win over Arizona State last week.
The Utes have yet to have a big road test and the last time they faced an extremely dangerous offense, they allowed 34 points to Texas Tech. The big issue is their run defense, which ranks 67th nationally allowing 142.2 yards per game.
The Cougars are an excellent run team, ranking 11th in the country averaging 38.0 yards per contest. Last week against Arizona, they ran for 258 yards on 51 carries. Quarterback Bear Bachmeier gets heavily involved in the run game with 295 yards and seven touchdowns on the season.
In that Texas Tech game, Utah allowed 173 rushing yards, including 61 yards from quarterback Will Hammond. BYU is going to be able to establish the run and move the ball. That will be enough to make the difference in this game between two great defenses.
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Utah vs BYU same-game parlay
To add to the spread, I am going to add both Bachmeier and running back LJ Martin to hit their rushing totals. It will take a team effort for the Cougars in the run game, and both will find their space to run.
Utah vs BYU SGP
- BYU +3.5
- LJ Martin Over 88.5 rushing yards
- Bear Bachmeier Over 47.5 rushing yards
Our deep-ball SGP: Run Heavy
Finally adding a Utah touchdown scorer will really boost our odds.
I am going with quarterback Devon Dampier to find the endzone with his legs, which he has done five times this season.
Utah vs BYU SGP
- BYU +3.5
- LJ Martin Over 88.5 rushing yards
- Bear Bachmeier Over 47.5 rushing yards
- Devon Dampier anytime touchdown
Utah vs BYU game predictions
Utah vs BYU moneyline prediction
BYU ML (+138): Not only do I like BYU to cover, but I also think they win this game at home. They will stay undefeated by pounding the rock and controlling possession.
Utah vs BYU spread prediction
BYU +3.5 (-110): The Cougars are getting 74% of the money against the spread despite getting only 44% of the bets.
Utah vs BYU Over/Under prediction
Under 49.5 (-115): Both defenses rank in the top 12 in the country in points allowed per game and both offenses are run heavy to kill the clock.
Utah vs BYU odds
- Spread: Utah -3.5 (-110) | BYU +3.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Utah -164 | BYU +138
- Over/Under: Over 49.5 (-105) | Under 49.5 (-115)
Utah vs BYU trend to know
BYU has hit the Moneyline in 10 of their last 12 games. Find more college football betting trends for Utah vs BYU.
How to watch Utah vs BYU
| Location | LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, UT |
| Date | Saturday, October 18, 2025 |
| Kickoff | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | FOX |
Utah vs BYU latest injuries
Utah vs BYU weather
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Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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