BYU is a slight favorite in this game, according to oddsmakers, and statistics favor the Cougars. But most longtime professional observers know that nothing is taken for granted in this game.

Utah’s move from the Pac-12 to the Big 12 brought a reunion with BYU after 13 years apart. It also reinvigorated one of the nation’s fiercest, one that encompasses many sports.

“Which leads me to end and say, this is Utah’s world and BYU is living in it." In that moment, the brash Aussie was probably right. The Utes were looking for Power Five wins, and the Cougars were staving off independence’s irrelevance. From 2010 ...