BYU QB legend Jake Retzlaff first learned about the Utah rivalry

PROVO, Utah – Jake Retzlaff didn’t grow up with the BYU-Utah rivalry.

He grew up in Corona, California and was closer to USC/UCLA. However, having signed with BYU in the winter of 2023, he knows what BYU vs. Utah means to the people in those two programs.

Jake Retzlaff said former BYU star John Beck was the first person he talked to about it #BYU-Utah rivalry before arriving on campus last year. #BYUFootball

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) November 4, 2024

“We know it’s important and we know it’s a big game,” Retzlaff said at BYU/Utah.

One of his first conversations about this rivalry was with BYU legend John Beck.

Jake Retzlaff turned to John Beck to understand the BYU-Utah rivalry

Beck, of course, created one of the most memorable moments in the rivalry’s history when he completed a game-winning touchdown pass to Jonny Harline as time expired. This happened in 2006, the last time BYU won at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

“I know the first real conversation I had about [the rivalry] was with John Beck,” Retzlaff said. “I called him and asked him about it. As we always hear around town, this game is more important to them than any other game of the season. You have to be able to approach things in a certain way.”



The quarterback legacy at BYU can be defined by how signal callers play in this rivalry game. Beck was often criticized by fans for failing to deliver at crucial moments. But that narrative was completely shattered after they defeated the Utes in 2006, completing an undefeated season in the Mountain West Conference.

Similar criticism was leveled at Retzlaff. After going 0-4 as a starter last year and struggling to finish last season, people doubted Retzlaff. He only let that criticism motivate him to affirm how good he and this year’s team could be.

So far it’s working. He has passed for 1,872 yards, 18 touchdowns and just seven interceptions while completing nearly 60% of his attempts.

The redshirt junior, who has led BYU to an impressive 8-0 start and a No. 9 seed in the top 25 of the College Football Playoff, is trying to keep the rivalry in perspective.

“You have to be able to approach it like it’s just another game week. We talk about every week being a statement week. Kalani says this all the time. So that’s statement number nine that we need to make. Then we talk about how we prepare: Every week is a Super Bowl for us. So for us, that’s the Super Bowl number.”

BYU needs strong QB play against Utah

In the 21st century, BYU Utah has only defeated six teams. One commonality in those six wins was that BYU had an NFL quarterback leading the offense (Brandon Doman, John Beck, Max Hall and Jaren Hall).

Retzlaff will be key to BYU continuing its strong start to the season as they face a hostile environment in Salt Lake City.

“We will be prepared Saturday night and look forward to the opportunity to participate in this great rivalry.”

Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (12-3 p.m.) on KSL Newsradio. Follow Mitch’s coverage of BYU in the Big 12 Conference on X: @Mitch_Harper.

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