BYU Cougars

Las Vegas Bowl isn't just another game for BYU, Utah

Published Dec. 14, 2015 8:44 p.m. ET

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Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham has described the matchup between rivals Utah and BYU in the Las Vegas Bowl as "unique." That it certainly is. 

The "Holy War", as it is called, has been contested 89 times over the years. However, this year's version of the rivalry, played in a bowl game, certainly qualifies it as being different than the previous 89.

Utah players, despite being overlooked by some bowl committee's, seem to be excited about the rivalry game.

"There's nothing like playing BYU. And there's nothing more motivating than going down there and playing BYU because you have bragging rights until the next time you play," place kicker Andy Phillips said, via KSL.com. "You can talk a little smack with your buddies who are down there and your family members who support BYU. It's a lot of fun, but that being said, we have to take the emotions out of it and just focus on the opponent."

"It'll be fierce," defensive coordinator John Pease said. "It's going to be a fierce battle."

This game will also represent the last game BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall will coach at BYU. He accepted the head coaching job at Virginia last week. 

Expect fireworks between BYU and Utah in Las Vegas. It may be a bowl game, but the rivalry will take precedent on Saturday.

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