Utah Football: Way-too-early game-by-game predictions for 2020

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 06: Samson Nacua #45 of the Utah Utes celebrates after scoring a touchdown and a two point conversion late in the third quarter during the Pac-12 Championship football game against the Oregon Ducks at Levi's Stadium on December 6, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. The Oregon Ducks won 37-15. (Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

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PROVO, UT – AUGUST 29 : Zach Wilson #1 of the BYU Cougars is chased out of the pocket by Bradlee Anae #6 of the Utah Utes during their game at LaVell Edwards Stadium on August 29, in Provo, Utah(Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images) /

The Holy War has been Utah’s game to lose for the past decade and a win in the season opener would make it 10 straight wins for the Utes over BYU.

BYU was once the dominant force in the rivalry from 1972 until the 1990s, but it’s been all Utah ever since. In fact, the Utes are 19-7 over the last 26 meetings and BYU has only won back-to-back games twice since 1993. Expect more of the same this time around, even with Zach Wilson returning.

The Cougars should have a decent season in 2020, but they won’t have enough to topple Jake Bentley in his first game with the Utes.

Final Score: BYU 17, Utah 30 (1-0)

Montana State had one of the best seasons of any FCS team in 2019, finishing the year with a 9-4 record and an appearance in the national semifinals. Head coach Jeff Choate took over in 2016 after spending a couple of years as Washington’s defensive line and special teams coach so you can bet he knows a little about Kyle Whittingham and Utah.

But that won’t be enough here.

The Utes will have their way with the Bobcats, smacking them around for four quarters much like Texas Tech did last season in the opener.

Final Score: Montana State 10, Utah 49 (2-0)

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