Why is it called the Holy War? Explaining origin of BYU vs. Utah football rivalry

The BYU vs. Utah college football rivalry, known as the 'Holy War,' is one of college football's most storied traditions. The article, published on November 7, 2026 by David Suggs of The Sporting News, explains the origin of the nickname for this longstanding matchup between Brigham Young University and the University of Utah. The rivalry's religious undertones, rooted in the significant Mormon cultural influence associated with BYU, are central to understanding why the game earned such a distinctive name.