Of the three BYU football players who talked to reporters during Monday’s press teleconference, only senior running back Hinckley Ropati had played in a rivalry matchup between the Cougars and Utah.

And it’s a memory he savors.

“I think a lot of the guys that haven’t experienced it yet are in for a big one,” Ropati said. “I remember my first experience in this rivalry, and it was one to remember. Being able to do it here in Provo and win (26-17 in 2021) and have the crowd rush the field, that was super fun to be a part of.”

He’s expecting another dynamic atmosphere when BYU faces the Utes in Salt Lake City on Saturday (8:15 p.m. MT, ESPN).

“Now we’re going to be in their territory up at Utah, and it’s going to be the same type of environment,” Ropati said. “It’s a crazy rivalry to be a part of. It’s something that I’ve been able to grow more and more a part of since my time being here.

“My first year, I was just a new guy. I didn’t really know what’s going on and didn’t understand the bad blood between the two teams. Then as soon as you see the way the coaches get into — and not just the coaches but the way the communities get into it — and it’s pretty fun to see.”

Cougar junior linebacker Jack Kelly grew up in Utah and thus was surrounded by the rivalry. Although football wasn’t his main sport when he was growing up, he got to know more about it in his teens.

Now it’s his turn to experience it by being on the field.

“I’m super excited,” Kelly said. “I know the environment is going to be amazing. There’s going to be tons of Utah fans and tons of BYU fans. I’m excited to hopefully come out on top and show Cougar Nation what we’re about. Growing up watching it, I know it’s going to be an exciting and impactful game.”

BYU junior quarterback Jake Retzlaff brings a different perspective as a California product who grew up watching the USC-UCLA rivalry. But he’s heard all about what it’s like to be a Cougar going up against the Utes.

“Ever since I’ve been here on campus, you learn about the rivalries, and you get to talk to people about it,” Retzlaff said. “I’ve been fortunate to talk to guys like John Beck about his experience in the rivalry. Obviously, he’s played some good games and won a game in this rivalry, so we know it’s important and we know it’s a big game, but we still have to approach it like professionals, go out there and execute.”

He agreed that he expects it to be one of those games that athletes love to be a part of.

“It’s going to be fun,” Retzlaff said. “We know that place is super hostile, especially when we go up there, so we’re super excited for it. It’s obviously going to be another test and another tough game, and especially up there, it gets a little tougher.”

No one understands that like Cougar head coach Kalani Sitake, who has played against Utah while at BYU, coached against BYU while at Utah and coached against Utah while at BYU.

“Obviously, I have a lot of memories there as a player and coach,” Sitake said. “Personally, I have a different perspective than a lot of other people. When it’s all said and done, a game becomes a game once the ball is kicked off and the game clock starts. It comes down to game mode. I’m excited to see our players take the field. I am not playing, which is a relief for me right now. But, I am just excited to see these young men compete on both sides. It’s an exciting time for our guys.”