The rivalry forecast: KSL Sports experts give their game-day predictions

SALT LAKE CITY — The big BYU-Utah rivalry game is this Saturday. The stakes are sky-high, and let's be honest, everyone already has a prediction. The KSL sports team decided to share theirs.

We can't tell you who's going to win, but we can tell you what our guys are willing to bet we'll be hearing all game long. From storylines to surprise moments, Jeremiah Jensen and Sam Farnsworth from KSL Sports shared their rivalry forecast.

Prediction 1: BYU gets a pick-six

Farnsworth kicked off the predictions with a bold defensive forecast for the Cougars.

"The University of Utah is famous for this streak they have right now, which is interceptions for touchdowns 23 years in a row," he noted.

But he predicts the turnover magic will swing the other way this year, saying BYU will return an interception for a touchdown in the second half. It's a surprising prediction because BYU's defense hasn't exactly been piling up interceptions lately. But if it happens, it could become one of those rivalry moments people remember for years.

"I think it happens," Farnsworth said. "Utah's quarterback is prone to sometimes making errant mistakes when he gets under pressure."

Prediction 2: A bear will be loose in Salt Lake City

Last year's rivalry produced the unforgettable phrase, "There's a bear loose in Provo." Jensen thinks that theme will continue in Salt Lake. He emphasized that BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier's performance will be crucial, especially if injuries continue affecting the Cougars.

"Bear Bachmeier has to play like he did against Notre Dame," Jensen said. "The bear has to get loose in Salt Lake City for BYU to win."

Prediction 3: Byrd Ficklin becomes Utah's surprise star

Farnsworth's second prediction was that Byrd Ficklin could end up leading the Utes in rushing and become one of the game's unexpected stars. He also predicted that Ficklin would throw a touchdown pass.

"It'll probably be a gimmick thing where he throws back to Dampier or something like that," he explained.

Prediction 4: Devon Dampier delivers

Jensen pointed back to last year's rivalry game, acknowledging that it wasn't the performance Utah quarterback Devon Dampier wanted.

"It's about the quarterbacks in this game," he said.

After dealing with injuries and inconsistency, this year is Dampier's chance to deliver.

The early kickoff could play a role

Farnsworth and Jensen both noted the unusual 10 a.m. kickoff. Farnsworth thinks the timing favors Utah playing at home.

"They're comfortable there," he explained. "Utah's very comfortable there."

The early start will also force players into routines that feel very different from their typical game day.

"Some of these guys are gonna have to get up at 4 a.m. to be on the clock," Farnsworth said. "It's gonna be weird."

Jensen said BYU might benefit from avoiding Rice-Eccles Stadium at night.

"Rice-Eccles at night is intense. It is loud. It is chaotic," he said.

Jensen suggested the morning kickoff could reduce some of the edge that comes with a primetime rivalry game in Salt Lake City.

One prediction everyone can agree on

Jensen and Farnsworth agreed on one prediction: Something unexpected will happen.

"There's gonna be a crazy play," Jensen said. "Every year there is gonna be a crazy play."

This story originally aired on KSL TV and has been reformatted for a digital audience using artificial intelligence.