The stage is set for a historic Holy War. After a dramatic overtime win against Arizona propelled them to a 6-0 start, Kalani Sitake and the BYU Cougars are preparing to host their rivals, the Utah Utes, this weekend.
According to the PFSN CFB Playoff Meter, Utah is ranked higher than the Cougars. While the former is ranked 11th, the latter is ranked 16th in power.
Kalani Sitake Reveals The Divided Home Aspect Of The Holy War.
Ahead of the Holy War this weekend, the BYU head coach appeared on “BYUtv Sport Nation.” During this appearance, Sitake previewed the team’s clash against Utah this weekend. One aspect that the head coach pointed out was the split loyalties within camps.
“Yeah, it’s an important game and it affects a lot of people in the state. It even has an impact on households. I know there’s a lot of divided homes for that one game.” Sitake explained. There is just an hour’s car journey separating the two programs.
For the fourth time in four home games, LaVell Edwards Stadium is sold out.
BYU is averaging 64,368 fans through three home tilts.
Where that ranks among FBS programs:
26th in average attendance (1st in Big 12)
10th in percentage of stadium capacity (103.7%) pic.twitter.com/eTTGR0cKiM— Greg Wrubell (@gregwrubell) October 17, 2025
Even Sitake himself, despite going to high school in Missouri, has a connection with both programs. Sitake served as a defensive coordinator for Kyle Whittingham at Utah from 2009 to 2014. During his interview, the BYU head coach credited the Utes for giving him a career.
“For me, I have been on both sides of it. I’ve seen unbelivable people on both sides. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t have my time at Utah. There’s a lot of crossover. We have a lot of people on our staff who graduated from there.” Sitake revealed.
One example the BYU head coach gave was Utah wide receivers coach Micah Simon. During his time at BYU, Sitake coached the current Utah wide receivers coach. Sitake’s former player also graduated from BYU with a degree in exercise science in 2019.
BIG NOON KICKOFF TIMELINE 👇👇 pic.twitter.com/27QB3yEqh2
— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) October 17, 2025
Another factor that Sitake revealed could play a role in tomorrow’s game is the crossover of staff between the two programs. Including Sitake, who served on Utah’s staff, Several coaches on BYU’s current staff have also worked for Whittingham, including defensive coordinator Jay Hill, analyst Gary Andersen, and linebackers coach Justin Ena.
“I think that’s part of the strategy, and seeing what you can do in terms of scheme. What you know, and what they know. And what we don’t know and what they don’t know. And hopefully nobody else can know anything about it.” Sitake remarked.
In an earlier interview, the BYU head coach also revealed that Whittingham taught him a lot of what he knows from his time at Utah. The two, who served together for over five years, are still friends to this day.
“I worked 10 years with him, I learned a lot from him, and watched him grow in the industry and in his position. I watched him and saw the transition he made from a coordinator to a head coach.” Sitake explained.
Read More: What is Kalani Sitake’s Utah Connection? His Coaching Career and Reason He Left Utes
“Kalani is a good friend of mine. That’s no secret,” Whittingham said. “He’s become an outstanding head coach.” The Utah head coach also revealed his respect for Sitake ahead of this weekend’s clash.
The two head coaches are currently setting history at their respective programs. The Utes joined BYU in the AP Top 25 this week after a dominant 42-10 victory over No. 21 Arizona State.
Despite the love and respect between both programs, the stakes are a bit higher than usual this weekend. With both sides still in the running for the conference championship game. According to the PFSN’s CFB Playoff Meter, BYU has a 42% chance of reaching the title game.
