Utah Defeats No. 9 BYU 28-20 to Reach 9-0 and Reshape Playoff Picture

Utah defeated No. 9 BYU 28-20 on Nov. 7, 2026, in Salt Lake City to claim a Holy War victory that reshaped the College Football Playoff picture during a turbulent Saturday of Week 10 action.

Utah climbed to 9-0 for the first time since 2008 by defeating No. 9 BYU 28-20 in the Holy War rivalry game in Salt Lake City, according to Yahoo Sports and Standard background reports. Under head coach Morgan Scalley, the No. 3 Utes overcame an early two-touchdown deficit and a halftime deficit by forcing three second-half turnovers.

Utah quarterback Devon Dampier ran for two touchdowns and threw two scoring passes to Braden Pegan. BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier threw four interceptions—including two in the fourth quarter in the end zone—doubling his season giveaway total and stalling the Cougars’ playoff push.

Utah Defeats No. 9 BYU 28-20 to Reach 9-0 and Reshape Playoff Picture
Photo: Yahoo Sports

Ohio State and LSU Fall in Home Blowouts

We didn’t expect any of this to happen, Ryan Day said, according to Yahoo Sports. Ohio State fell to 41-28 against Oregon at the Horseshoe, marking the Buckeyes’ second-worst home loss under head coach Ryan Day, as reported by Yahoo Sports. Playing without injured quarterback Julian Sayin, the Buckeyes built an early 14-0 lead behind Bo Jackson’s rushing touchdowns before the defense collapsed under 38 unanswered points from the Ducks.

Yahoo Sports noted that LSU went all-in on Lane Kiffin with every resource possible to build a national title contender, but the team took its third loss in front of an entourage that included Livvy Dunne, Shaq, and Kevin Costner. In Baton Rouge, LSU dropped a 31-13 decision to Kalen DeBoer’s Alabama team at Tiger Stadium. Lane Kiffin fell to 0-6 in his career against the Crimson Tide, leaving the Tigers at 6-3 overall and 0-3 against teams in the College Football Playoff rankings.

Michigan Loses Rivalry Game Without Scoring Touchdown

CBS Sports reported that it was the first time Michigan lost without allowing a touchdown since 1985. Michigan dropped a 15-6 game to in-state rival Michigan State, failing to score until the two-minute warning in the fourth quarter. First-year Wolverines coach Kyle Whittingham dropped to 5-4 and 2-4 in Big Ten play, facing mounting pressure as his team heads into matchups against Oregon and UCLA.

Utah Defeats No. 9 BYU 28-20 to Reach 9-0 and Reshape Playoff Picture
Photo: CBS Sports

In Baton Rouge, LSU’s third loss effectively ended any realistic playoff aspirations in Death Valley despite high expectations and booster support. BYU’s loss and previous stumbles leave them needing to run the table and receive outside help to make the College Football Playoff.

Earlier coverage: CFP Contenders Emerge in 2026-27 Week 9 Bowl Projections