Can BYU finally end the rivalry losing streak this season?
It has been twelve years and nine games since the Cougars last beat the Utes. Many people think last years 11-1 BYU team could have ended the streak, but the rivalry game was canceled because of COVID-19. The Cougars will get another shot the second week of the 2021 season September 11th at LaVell Edwards Stadium, a game that is already on the Cougars minds. Yeah, it for sure is, said BYU wide receiver Neil Pauu. To be the class or the team that ended the streak, it definitely plays a part.  Its on everybodys mind for sure, said wide receiver Gunner Romney. I didnt grow up in the rivalry, but when I got up here, every Utah fan that I see, they remind me of it. It just eats away at me.  Its one of the biggest rivalries in the whole country, said linebacker Max Tooley. Its always one that we have on our schedule that weve got circled. Everyone is looking forward to it. Every single guy on the team.  The rivalry is being put on hold for two years after this years game as Utah plays a home-and-home series with Florida. So the Cougars see extra urgency to end the streak Week 2 in Provo. That would be bragging rights for life for us if we broke the streak of nine games, said safety Chaz Ah You. I know all of our alumni are rooting for it too, so it would be a win for a lot more than just the people on the field. Zach Wilson even said it in one of his NFL interviews that he almost wanted to stay just to play them.  A win by the Utes would be the schools 10th straight in the series, which would be Utahs longest win streak in the storied rivalry, which dates back to 1922. This will be an interesting game for former Utes receiver Samson Nacua, who transferred to BYU this off-season. Hes just thankful the game is not at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Yeah, true, Nacua said with a laugh. Going into their stadium, Id be getting booed all over probably. But its going to be intense for sure just because we know each others tendencies. They probably have something hid up their sleeves. Ive got something hid up my sleeve for sure. Its going to be a crazy game. Im excited.