The Utah 2026 Holy War
I have returned to Utah for the Holiday season, and kicked off my return in epic fashion by going to the University of Utah vs. BYU college football Holy War that was on Saturday, November 7th. Our tailgating group had custom made shirts stating “Max Hall hates me, and so does Pat McAfee”. Hahaha, if you know, you know.
For such an epic game with both teams nationally ranked in the top 10, it was surprising that we had a 10 a.m. start time, but that just falls in line with the prejudice that ESPN seems to have with our team. No matter though, the weather was perfect, albeit a tad chilly for a 7 a.m. tailgate start time for us hardcore Utah Ute fanatics.
Blue skies and a game time start of 50 degrees, we had a sea of red in the packed stadium. The Utah National Guard flew three helicopters over us as the National Anthem ended, perfect for the Veteran’s Day rememberance.
It took Utah 75 seconds (1 minute and 15 seconds) into the game to score first. Quarterback Devon Dampier capped off a quick three-play, 75-yard opening drive with a 22-yard rushing touchdown. We were rockin’! Here we go, Utah, here we go!
Nerves settled down though and the game score we much closer going into halftime, and we were a bit nervous as Utah couldn’t seem to hold onto the ball and BYU was looking tough. But a halftime speech by the coaches got our team back on track with a dominating 3rd quarter performance that shut out BYU from getting any more points.
Utah’s “22” tradition—officially known as the Moment of Loudness—takes place during the break between the third and fourth quarters. During this break, the entire stadium turns on their phone flashlights and erupts into a massive roar of cheers and applause. The tribute honors the memories of late running backs Ty Jordan and Aaron Lowe, two close friends and teammates who tragically passed away. Jordan wore the No. 22 jersey, and Lowe subsequently switched his number to 22 to honor him before his own passing. The university officially retired the number 22, and the tradition serves as a moment for the Utah family to remember them, celebrate their lives, and encourage everyone not to take life for granted (inspired by the team’s “22% better” daily mindset). It is a wonderful tradition to celebrate these two, and I am always so humbled and proud when I can be a part of it.
The 4th quarter was back and forth, but strong defense held off the BYU cougars as Utah wins 28-20, putting us as number 2 in the nation in the latest rankings. Suck that McAfee!
“Who am I, sir, A Utah Man am I!
A Utah Man, sir, Will be ’til I die.
Ki-yi!“
