Reasons why 2020 is likely BYU’s best shot in a while to beat Utah:

- BYU is returning one of the highest pff graded O-Lines in the country.
- BYU returns three QB’s with significant and effective playing time in 2019. Wilson is healthy and will have a full offseason to prepare.
- BYU showed they can bring in a transfer RB and make them immediately effective, returns RB’s who were effective
- Matt Bushman isn’t returning just to block
- BYU’s defense was extremely young and will return a lot of contributors, including Tonga. Despite the outrage over the scheme, the young defense actually rated fairly well in a lot of categories.
- Utah only returns two starters on defense, neither of which were star players. They return no starting DB’s. True freshmen will likely start. Few backups saw much playing time last season.
- Utah’s QB will almost certainly be one of two former 4* recruits, neither of which have ever played a snap in a Utah uniform. One of them (Rising) has never played a D1 snap. Even if they fit in well, this will be their first game. Probably will take time to gel.
- Utah loses its best running back in program history. While their RB cupboards are not bare, none of the other options separated themself as a clear #2.
- Utah’s O-Line still has tons question marks and will be counting on inconsistent returning starters and highly-touted yet unproven JUCO OT
- BYU plays Utah better at RES. In the four losses suffered in SLC since 2010, the average margin of defeat is 3.25 points.

Of course, there are also looming reasons to believe BYU will not beat Utah in 2020:
- Mental/talent edge. Going back to 2002, BYU is 3-14 vs Utah, including 9 straight losses. Whittingham’s deal with the devil is strong.
- Utah has not lost at RES since mid-season 2017
- Does Kalani and his staff have what it takes? Ty’Son Williams was clearly BYU’s best weapon against them last year and he was severely under-utilized.
- Utah does return it’s best TE and WR’s

If you disregard the streak and just look at returning starters, BYU should have the edge next year. Utah will be in somewhat of a rebuilding year. Utah’s 2020 recruiting class will likely finish in the top 30. If there’s a year BYU can rise up and snatch a W, it’s probably this one.