It's a rather early local start for this year's "Holy War" between BYU and Utah, but I don't think an early start is going to prevent the points from adding up to an Over.

The strongest case for the over is the way these offenses match up: Utah brings a powerful, run-oriented attack, while BYU has enough balance to contribute points of its own. These teams combine for more than 400 rushing yards per game and that both offenses have favorable rushing matchups. That gives this rivalry more than just emotional intensity working in its favor.

Utah’s offense is the biggest reason I like the over. The Utes are averaging 38.9 points and 485.4 yards per game, including 226.9 yards on the ground, while BYU is producing 32.4 points and 397.9 total yards per contest. 

Quarterback Devon Dampier has thrown for 1,876 yards and 18 touchdowns, and running back Wayshawn Parker has added 726 yards and nine scores. Utah has also converted 54.1% of its third downs, third-best nationally. Those numbers give the Utes a strong opportunity to put points on the board against a BYU defense that has been solid but faces one of its toughest assignments of the season.

The recent totals trends add to the case. BYU comes in with three consecutive games over the posted total, while Utah has gone over in four of its last five.

The rivalry history provides another reason to look at the over. The last two meetings in Salt Lake City both went over: BYU and Utah combined for 43 points in the 2024 meeting, clearing a 40.5 total, and combined for 62 points in the 2018 matchup, clearing a 45-point number. The current total is around 49.5, and I believe Utah can do much of the scoring heavy lifting while BYU contributes enough to get this game across the finish line.

With both teams averaging more than 32 points per game and the recent over trends pointing in the same direction, I'll take the Holy War over the posted total.