Salt Lake City – The annual football clash between the Utah Utes and the Brigham Young University Cougars is set to take on added significance this weekend, with both programs ranked in the Top 10 and a potential Big 12 championship berth on the line. While fans on either side of the Wasatch continue to rally behind their teams, the two head coaches have turned the spotlight on mutual respect and the desire for a civil rivalry.
Coaching histories intertwine
Both men share a decade‑long professional relationship. From 2009 to 2014, Kalani Sitake served as defensive coordinator for the Utes, working under then‑head coach Kyle Whittingham. During that period, Morgan Scalley was the Utes’ safeties coach, learning the defensive schemes that helped Utah become a perennial contender. Their paths diverged when Sitake accepted the head‑coaching job at BYU in 2015, while Scalley remained at Utah, eventually rising to defensive coordinator and, this season, head coach of his alma mater.
Mutual admiration expressed
In a recent press conference, Scalley praised Sitake as “the ultimate competitor.” He added, “We love to have fun and joke, but when it comes down to competing, it’s time to win.” Sitake returned the sentiment, noting, “I have a lot of love for Morgan. We cut our teeth together and remain friends. I wouldn’t be where I am without the lessons learned at Utah.”
Call for a more civil rivalry
Both coaches agreed that the rivalry should be fierce on the field but respectful off it. Scalley said, “The hatred and toxicity spewed from both sides isn’t good for the rivalry. What makes it great is the competition and the back‑and‑forth.” Sitake echoed this, emphasizing the “tons of respect on both sides” and the shared pride of representing a state that can boast two Top 10 programs within a half‑hour’s drive of each other.
Implications for the Big 12
The matchup carries weight beyond state bragging rights. With the Big 12 championship still undecided, a win for either team could solidify a spot in the College Football Playoff. Utah entered the game ranked #9, while BYU held the #10 slot, making the contest a de facto playoff‑qualifier for the winner.
What fans can expect
All eyes will be on the newly renovated Rice‑Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, where the atmosphere is expected to be electric. Both fan bases have been vocal on social media, but the coaches’ calls for civility may temper the usual heated exchanges. The game is scheduled for Saturday at 7:30 p.m. local time, with a national broadcast on a major network.
Looking ahead
Regardless of the outcome, Scalley and Sitake hope the rivalry will set a positive example for future generations of Utah athletes and supporters. “We want this rivalry to be remembered for great football and mutual respect,” Scalley said. “That’s the legacy we’re building together.”
Original reporting: FOX 13 KSTU (Scripps) – Utah County — read the source article.
