Utes fans upset over Big 12 hiding Holy War on ESPN

Utah and BYU didn't get the respect they deserve for the rivalry

Rob Gray-Imagn Images

Utah Utes fans have taken to social media to express their disappointment with the Big 12’s decision to schedule the highly anticipated “Holy War” rivalry game between Utah and BYU for ESPN's late-night slot.

The 10:15 p.m. ET kickoff has stirred frustration among fans who feel the game deserves a more prominent slot on the schedule. As one of the Big 12’s biggest matchups, fans argue that this storied rivalry should be featured during prime viewing hours, especially considering its national appeal and the intensity surrounding the two teams.

Many fans see the late-night kickoff as a missed opportunity for the Big 12 to showcase the rivalry on a larger stage. This year’s “Holy War” is particularly significant, marking the first time Utah and BYU will meet as conference opponents within the Big 12, adding extra stakes and renewed intensity to the matchup.

Dear @brettyormark and @espn,

This late 8:15pm MT kickoff is pathetic. The Holy War needs more exposure as it’s the Big 12’s biggest matchup. Fight for the conference, Brett.

Also, this is the 3rd straight late night ESPN kickoff at Rice Eccles. It’s getting old.

❤️ Angry Ute… https://t.co/OWHT3RHgLo

— WildUte (@TheWildUte) October 28, 2024

Utah's faithful argue that scheduling the game for a time when much of the country may not tune in limits its exposure and robs the rivalry of the spotlight it deserves. Some fans have even called on Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark to fight for a better timeslot, believing a midday or evening game on FOX or another major network would have attracted a larger national audience and truly highlighted the rivalry's significance.

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Was really hoping the #BYU-#Utah game would be on FOX — afternoon or in primetime — so the country could see this great rivalry.

Half the country will be asleep by halftime. Ugh. #GoCougs #GoUtes #Big12FB #CFB https://t.co/Os3e3tWjzj

— Justin Giles (@JustinGiles_) October 28, 2024

The Big 12’s logic likely centers around using the late-night slot to bring national attention to the Beehive State’s most prominent football rivalry without competing directly with other high-profile games on rivalry weekend. However, fans point out that while this might increase visibility in certain markets, it fails to give the “Holy War” the prestige a prime-time broadcast would afford. Instead, many fans feel that the conference’s decision detracts from the game’s significance and fails to respect the history and scale of the Utah-BYU rivalry.

The Big 12 presumably moved the BYU-Utah game from its traditional spot on the last week of the season to give it a “spotlight” and avoid having it go head-to-head with other rivalry weekend games, only for ESPN to stick it at 10:15 p.m. eastern on Nov. 9.

Great work, everyone.

— Joe Coles (@JoeAColes) October 28, 2024

Adding to the frustration, this marks the third consecutive late-night kickoff for Utah, and fans are feeling fatigued by the consistent placement in these late slots. Many Utah supporters argue that if the team continues winning, such scheduling conflicts might resolve themselves, as winning teams typically command better timeslots. However, the consensus remains that the Big 12 missed an opportunity to elevate one of its marquee rivalries by not positioning it as a premier event.

As the rivalry approaches, Utes fans will undoubtedly be tuning in despite the late start. Still, their message to the Big 12 is clear: they want to see their team’s biggest matchups treated with the prestige and visibility they deserve on a national stage.