The Utah Utes face off against BYU Cougars this week in what could be the greatest 'Holy War' rivalry game to date.  

The Holy War rivalry is over 130 years old and has countless big moments. Looking at the last 50 years, Utah has seven names to celebrate spanning five decades. While this might not be a list of the greatest Utes of all time, it is the second part of a list of the best Holy War performers of the last 50 years. Here is the first. 

Alex Smith’s place on this list is more about his total body of work than it is one or two Holy War performances. With the second of his two BYU games being a BCS clinching win, completing an undefeated season. In 2003, Utah struggled to move the ball in 19-degree weather. Smith finished with only 113 yards, but added 55 rushing yards in a weather-forced defensive battle. His 2004 game was better, but still not great. 184 passing yards and one touchdown, en route to an undefeated season, top 4 AP ranking and the Mountain West conference title.

Many will remember Weddle’s 2005 game as being much more productive. Five tackles, three punt returns, a passing attempt and three rushes for ten yards. However, the 2004 game might have his biggest Holy War moment. Down 31-21, BYU attempted a trick play with Austin Collie. With the assigned defensive back trailing the receiver, Weddle leaps from off camera, snatching the ball out of the air before it reached its intended target. Utah opened it up after that point, winning by 31.

Burton’s candidacy comes down to one massively important play in 2010. The game began slowly for both offenses, leading to a 6-0 BYU halftime lead. While Burton’s defensive stats weren’t impressive, he did have a couple of big pass breakups that kept the first half score close.

On BYU’s final possession, they leaned heavily on the run. The Utah defense stuffed the last few runs, not allowing BYU to find the end zone. With four seconds remaining in the game, BYU lined up for a very makable winning field goal. Burton lined up wide on the left side. He stayed low and curved around the blocker, getting a clean, must-needed field goal block, securing the win for Utah.

Burton’s FG block in 2010 is still remembered as one of the greatest single plays in Utah football history. It also ended up being the most important play in Utah’s final game as a member of the Mountain West Conference.

The Holy War rivalry has taken a hit in the last six years as the two teams have only faced each other three times. With the anticipation and hype surrounding the 2026 matchup, it is very possible the best performance in the Holy War during the 2020s could happen this week.

On Saturday, the Utes will welcome BYU to Salt Lake City for the 104th meeting between these two programs. 

No. 3 Utah hosts No. 7 BYU at Noon ET and will broadcast on ABC.