BYU and Utah have been playing annually since 1946, string of 68 straight games. However, 2014 will mark the first of a two-year break in the series between the two programs.
In a statement released Tuesday, Utah athletic director Chris Hill confirmed what was already believed to be the case: that the game, known as the Holy War, would be taking a brief hiatus.“When we joined the Pac-12 Conference, we knew there would be opportunities for Utah athletics that were never available before. A home-and-home series with Michigan is an example of something that we would not have envisioned even a few years ago and felt we could not pass up. It made our already tough schedule that much tougher and I did not think it was fair to our football program to schedule BYU on those years.
“We are solidly committed to play BYU in 2013 and 2016 and are close to finalizing a contract. Our intent is to continue to schedule BYU unless unusual circumstances dictate otherwise. In no way does this signal an end to the rivalry.”
The two sides will play again in 2016. As was previously noted, Utah will fill a non-conference slot in 2014 and ’15 with Michigan.
(hat tip: Deseret News)