BYU football head coach Kalani Sitake praised opposing coach Morgan Scalley and his program after a 28-20 loss to Utah, BYU. The postgame remarks marked a respectful end to the first matchup between the two close friends at the helm of their respective programs.
The Nov. 7, 2026, showdown at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City delivered a high-stakes chapter of the Holy War, with both teams entering ranked in the top 10 for the first time in the history of the rivalry. Sitake’s Cougars fell 28-20 to Scalley’s undefeated Utes, snapping a three-game rivalry win streak for BYU.
Sitake Praises Scalley After Game
Speaking to reporters after the final whistle, Sitake made his feelings clear about the opposing sideline leader. Congratulations to Morgan.
The BYU coach acknowledged the difficulty of the venue.
What a scene 🎬#GoUtes | #RSNB pic.twitter.com/QAwCGsJHXt
Despite the bitter rivalry and a late-game field storming by Utah supporters, Sitake praised the overall sportsmanship on the field. What a cool, respectful game. Even after when (Utah fans) stormed the field, we didn’t have anything that was too dramatic. I thought it was a lot of fans that were excited and just told them congratulations, so congratulations to Utah, and I’m sorry to all of Cougar Nation. We’ll try to keep plugging away and make sure that we’re better next week.
Utah head coach Morgan Scalley and BYU head coach Kalani Sitake both aimed to emphasize goodwill above the toxic elements of the rivalry. Scalley celebrated the program’s cultural foundation following the victory, noting that his players made the contest about team identity rather than individual narratives.
𝐓𝐇𝐄 Utah Man 🫡#GoUtes | #RSNB | @RSNBUtes pic.twitter.com/NXcsBOiPAX
Turnovers Cost Cougars the Win
The Cougars held a 20-14 halftime lead, fueled by a 75-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Bear Bachmeier to Legend Glasker and a 4-yard scoring run by LJ Martin. However, the BYU offense stalled completely in the second half.
Bachmeier finished the afternoon throwing a career-worst four interceptions, with Utah defenders securing picks in the closing quarters to seal the comeback. Glasker pointed to a change in mindset after the break. Going into the second half, we got too big-headed thinking the game was ours,
Glasker said. I’m going to find a way to go catch it and I’m happy it played out like that.
Utah quarterback Devon Dampier spearheaded the Utes’ offensive output by accounting for four total touchdowns, scoring twice on the ground and throwing two scoring passes to Braden Pegan. Dampier also hauled in a 29-yard reception on a pass from Creed Whittemore. Despite yielding some early ground, the Utah defense shut out the Cougars throughout the entire second half while forcing critical turnovers.
Big 12 Standing Changes After Loss
Reflecting on the result from his own side, Sitake accepted responsibility for the missed execution. Give Utah a lot of credit for making plays,
Sitake said. We didn’t make enough, and so that’s my job as head coach.
HECKUVA DAY IN SALT LAKE. #GoUtes | #RSNB pic.twitter.com/Cg9YREKsqP
The defeat drops BYU to 7-2 overall and 4-2 in conference play, damaging their path to the Big 12 title game.
More on Kalani Sitake
We all have THAT moment—the moment that cements your fandom forever… eh, you know the rest 🤷#GoUtes | #RSNB pic.twitter.com/p9VZeSwy8A
#GoUtes | #RSNB | 📺 ABC https://t.co/gaNTstRo1p pic.twitter.com/6eHCaRUPOY
DOES HE HAVE YOUR ATTENTION NOW? 🕷️🕸️#SPID4HEISMAN | #GoUtes | #RSNB pic.twitter.com/ataC0P2Z3d
SPIDA SENSES SIX 🕸️ Devon Dampier finds the end zone on a 3-yard keeper as @Utah_Football add to their lead. 📺 ABC pic.twitter.com/VHNszrGmWJ
Few stand out statements from the post game press conference 👏#GoUtes | #RSNB | @AFCU pic.twitter.com/pCZ6TBp5tW
No. 3 Utah moves to 9-0 with rivalry win over No. 9 BYU‼️ 📺 https://t.co/ubKsQXLBr3#GoUtes | #RSNB | @AFCU
Since Utah took an early 14-0 lead, they have 12 total yards and BYU has 20 points.