The Holy War returns at Big 12 Media Days

The Holy War returns at Big 12 Media Days

LAS VEGAS — It was Big 12 newcomer Utah’s first time at football media days in the conference. Throughout the day Tuesday, coach Kyle Whittingham and his players were repeatedly asked for their thoughts about the rivalry being rekindled.

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Ute quarterback Cam Rising riled up BYU fans with his comment at media days about wanting to “whoop” BYU. Rising did not play in the most recent matchup of the Holy War in 2021 in Provo. He missed last season due to a torn ACL and will be suiting up for his seventh season in college football.

Defensive tackle Junior Tafuna took a more reserved approach compared to his teammate Rising. Tafuna played in the game in 2021 and said he is “still sore about that loss” in Provo. He’ll get his chance for revenge on Nov. 9 at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City.

Whittingham said the rivalry has finally come “full circle” from the days of the Holy War in the Mountain West. Whittingham has been the head coach for 15 battles in the game and has a record of 11-4 in those matchups.

This season marks the first edition of the Holy War as Power 4 foes. It also marks their first conference matchup since 2010 when both teams were in the Mountain West. One thing is for certain: it is refreshing to have the state of Utah’s greatest rivalry game back as an annual conference showdown.