The Holy War returns at the Big 12 Media Days

The Holy War returns at the Big 12 Media Days

LAS VEGAS — It was Big 12 newcomer Utah’s first appearance at the conference’s football media days, and throughout Tuesday, coach Kyle Whittingham and his players were repeatedly asked for their thoughts on the reignited rivalry.

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Ute quarterback Cam Rising angered BYU fans with his comment at media days that he wanted to “beat up” BYU. Rising did not play in the final Holy War meeting of 2021 in Provo. He missed last season due to a torn ACL and will be playing his seventh season of college football.

Defensive tackle Junior Tafuna took a more reserved approach compared to his teammate Rising. Tafuna played in the 2021 game and said he was “still mad about the 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” since the days of the Mountain West Holy War. Whittingham has been the head coach for 15 matchups and has an 11-4 record in those matchups.

This season marks the Holy War’s first edition as Power 4 opponents. It’s also their first conference game since 2010, when both teams were in the Mountain West. One thing is for sure: It’s refreshing to have Utah State’s biggest rivalry game back as an annual conference showdown.