ESPN’s Pat McAfee didn’t hold back about Saturday’s clash between the No. 15 BYU Cougars and No. 23 Utah Utes, expressing excitement for the Holy War.
Why Is McAfee Excited About This Matchup?
McAfee called the Holy War exactly what it is: one of college football’s most intense rivalries with championship implications on the line this season.
“The Holy War out there in BYU. This could have been an epic college game,” McAfee said on his show, explaining why ESPN’s College GameDay should have chosen Provo over Georgia this weekend for its broadcast.
McAfee also expressed excitement for the quarterback battle between freshman sensation Bear Bachmeier and Utah transfer Devon Dampier. “I love that we got Bear versus Dampier. I love the storylines that are coming, and I like how good both these teams are,” McAfee said.
According to Pro Football Network metrics, Utah boasts the superior offense with a 92.2 rating (A- grade) that ranks fourth nationally, while PFSN’s QB Impact Metric ranks Dampier 17th nationally with an 82.3 QB Impact score and a B- grade.
Meanwhile, BYU ranked 35th nationally in PFSN’s Offense Impact metric with an 81.8 Offense Impact score and a B grade, while QB Bachmeier ranked 54th nationally with a 78.0 quarterback impact score and a C+ grade.
The quarterback matchup features contrasting styles. Utah’s Dampier completed 71.5% of his passes for 1,131 yards with 11 touchdowns and three interceptions while leading the Utes in rushing (378 yards, 5 TDs). BYU freshman Bear Bachmeier has impressed with 63.2% completion for 1,220 yards, 8 TDs, and 3 INTs, adding 263 rushing yards and 5 rushing touchdowns.
Dampier’s efficiency leads the Big 12 in completion percentage, while Bachmeier’s 10 total touchdowns showcase his dual-threat ability as a true freshman.
McAfee also highlighted Utah coach Kyle Whittingham’s impressive rivalry dominance and what makes this matchup more special: the close nature of these battles.
“He’s 11-5 win-loss record against BYU, which is also 11-5 against the spread. 5-1 against the spread versus a ranked BYU team, and 13 of 16 games have been decided by single digits. So it’s a good battle. It’s going to mean something,” McAfee said.
McAfee emphasized the stakes that make this year’s battle particularly significant. “It means something too this year. 6-0, 5-1. I mean, you got real playoff implications,” he said, highlighting how the rivalry has evolved beyond state bragging rights.
This marks just the fourth time both teams enter the matchup ranked in the AP Top 25 poll, and the first since 2009. The schools are now conference rivals again after Utah joined BYU in the Big 12 last season.
“Utah is 3-0 ATS as a road favorite this season which is tough to do..
The hatred is real between BYU and Utah”@StanfordSteve82 #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/cg2aBErBnp
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 15, 2025
Despite Utah’s historical dominance (leading the all-time series 62-36-4), momentum has shifted recently. The Utes won nine straight games from 2010 to 2019, but BYU has claimed the last two meetings, including last season’s controversial 22-21 finish.
Saturday’s quarterback showdown between Dampier’s elite efficiency and Bachmeier’s dual-threat playmaking kicks off at 6 p.m. MT on FOX.
With Dampier leading Utah’s fourth-ranked offense against BYU’s undefeated freshman sensation, the quarterback matchup McAfee highlighted will be front and center in the 103rd Holy War at LaVell Edwards Stadium.
