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Send us Fan Mail BYU took down No. 2 Notre Dame, Utah nearly let one slip against Colorado, Real Salt Lake finally remembered how to win, and the Utah Mammoth have a goaltending (coaching?) problem worth discussing. Matt is back in the Matt Cave, fighting through an illness to break down one of the biggest weekends of the college football season. The main event? BYU's historic rank-defining victory over Notre Dame. Matt explains why this win matters for the Cougars, where it ranks among the biggest victories in program history, and why Bear Bachmeier, Kalani Sitake, and Kelly Poppinga deserve their flowers. After years of waiting, BYU fans finally have a moment worth savoring. Meanwhile, Utah escaped Colorado after a disastrous third quarter nearly turned a comfortable lead into a loss. With Houston looming, the Utes have some serious issues to clean up before the competition gets tougher. Matt also discusses Real Salt Lake's 3-1 victory over Sporting Kansas City, the frustration of MLS playoff expansion, and why the Utah Mammoth need to trust their other goaltenders before Karel Vejmelka gets run into the ground. Plus, an argument against expanding the college football playoff, a look at Utah's defensive adjustments, and plenty of unfiltered Utah sports talk. Topics covered: BYU defeats No. 2 Notre Dame and makes a statement nationallyWhere the Notre Dame victory ranks in BYU historyBear Bachmeier, Kalani Sitake, and BYU's defensive standoutsUtah survives Colorado and looks ahead to HoustonReal Salt Lake finally gets a winWhy too many playoff teams diminish the regular seasonUtah Mammoth goaltending, Karel Vejmelka's workload, and the defensive adjustments aheadThanks for being a Spelunker and spending some time in the Mat Cave. If you enjoy the show, share it with one person who might enjoy the conversation, too. Find the show on Facebook and Instagram at TheMattCavePodcast. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Matt is back in The Matt Cave, and there is a lot to unpack in Utah sports this week. The Utah Mammoth are off to a strong start, BYU has a massive showdown with Notre Dame on deck, and Utah State somehow found a way to win a game that was anything but pretty. The Utah Mammoth have looked like a legitimate force through the opening stretch of the NHL season. Matt breaks down the road trip against the Rangers, Devils, Bruins, and Sabres, examines the team's offensive firepower, and explains why Utah is starting to look like a wagon. But can this speed-driven team adjust when opponents manage to muck things up? And what should fans make of Karel Vejmelka's early-season performance? On the college football side, Utah State escaped Washington State with a 17-16 win after a dominant defensive second half. Matt looks at what went right, what still needs work, and what awaits the Aggies down the road. BYU picked up an impressive win over Iowa State, with Bear Bachmeier delivering a standout performance. But Matt has some questions about fourth-down decisions, punt returns, and the Cougars' passing offense as they prepare to face a highly ranked Notre Dame team. Can BYU pull off the upset, or are Cougar fans in for a long night? Finally, Matt breaks down Utah's dominant performance against Kansas, the Utes' remaining schedule, and why the upcoming matchup with Houston could tell us a lot about how serious this team is as a contender. With the Holy War looming for both programs, the next few weeks could reshape the Big 12 race. Plus, a quick look at Real Salt Lake's playoff outlook, because apparently the soccer gods aren't done testing everyone's patience. Grab a seat, spelunkers. It's time to talk Utah sports. Follow The Matt Cave Podcast on Facebook and Instagram, and send feedback to [email protected]. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Matt is back in the Matt Cave for another week of Utah sports, breaking down a rough night for Utah State, an ugly but important BYU win over TCU, and an absolutely electric start to the Utah Mammoth season. Utah State got handled by Boise State, raising more questions about the Aggies' quarterback situation and whether Grady Brosterhous needs to be the unquestioned starter moving forward. Matt also looks ahead at Utah State's remaining schedule and whether a 6-6 season is still within reach. BYU survived a sloppy, weather-soaked battle with TCU, but Matt has plenty of questions about the offense, the team's preparation coming out of a bye, and what happened when LJ Martin left the game with an injury. The defense, however, continues to impress, and Matt gives Kelly Poppinga plenty of credit for what the unit is doing up front. Then there's the Utah Mammoth. Two games into the season, Utah has outscored its opponents 10-1, Karel Vejmelka has a shutout, the power play and penalty kill are both clicking, and the Mammoth have shown a willingness to throw their weight around. Matt breaks down Dylan Guenther, Clayton Keller, Logan Cooley, the new additions, the team's physicality, and why this group has him very excited about what's ahead. Plus, a quick look at the latest AP Top 25 rankings before Matt heads back into the Matt Cave for another week. The Matt Cave Podcast covers Utah sports, gaming, and whatever else is worth talking about. Thanks for spelunking by. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Matt is back with another episode of The Matt Cave Podcast, breaking down a busy Week 4 in Utah sports. Utah is 4-0 after a 31-17 win over Iowa State, but the victory came with plenty to talk about, including questionable officiating, Utah's strong defensive performance, a turnover-free offense, and what the Utes' upcoming schedule looks like. Utah State finally found the win column with a victory over Troy, and Matt takes a closer look at Grady Brosterhous' continued development at quarterback, the Aggies' suddenly productive rushing attack, and a Utah State defense that forced three turnovers. Then it is time for the big one: a full Utah Mammoth season preview. Matt breaks down the Mammoth's expectations for the upcoming season, the team's depth at center, the additions of Vincent Trocheck and Anders Lee, Daniil But's NHL readiness, Clayton Keller's potential to reach 100 points, Logan Cooley's importance to the team's playoff hopes, Dylan Guenther's scoring potential, and the biggest question mark on the roster: defensive depth. Matt also looks around the Central Division and the rest of the Western Conference to see where Utah could fit in the playoff picture. The hopes are high. The expectations are a little more measured. But after last season's playoff appearance, Matt believes the next step for the Utah Mammoth is making the playoffs and showing that they can win a postseason series. More Utah Mammoth coverage can also be found on Utah Mammoth Daily on YouTube. Follow The Matt Cave Podcast on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, and don't forget to leave a review and give the show a thumbs up. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Matt is back in the Matt Cave to break down a busy week of Utah sports, starting with college football. He reacts to Utah's dominant 33-0 win over Utah State, including Devon Dampier's performance, Utah's suffocating defense, the Aggies' struggles running the football, and the frightening injury to Harrison Taggart. Matt also looks ahead at what's next for both Utah and Utah State and why he still believes the Aggies have a path to a bowl game. Then it's on to BYU's 38-7 win over Colorado State. Matt breaks down LJ Martin's ridiculous rushing performance, the strength of BYU's offensive line, Bear Bachmeier's performance, the BYU defense, and the biggest question marks facing the Cougars as they head into a bye week. The episode also includes a look at the latest AP Poll, where BYU sits at No. 9 and Utah at No. 15, before Matt turns his attention to the Utah Jazz and Keyonte George's five-year, $157.5 million extension. Matt explains why the George extension makes sense for the Jazz, how it fits alongside the team's young core, and why the pairing of George and Darryn Peterson could create a dynamic backcourt as Utah looks to become competitive again. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Week 2 of the college football season is in the books, and Matt has plenty to talk about. Utah absolutely dismantled Arkansas 43-10, with the defense shutting down the Razorbacks and the offense continuing to show just how dynamic this Utes team can be. Matt breaks down the running game, Devon Dampier, Wayshawn Parker, Byrd Ficklin and a Utah defense that has allowed just 24 points through two games. Utah State was the surprise of the week. Matt expected Washington to run away with this one, but the Aggies hung around until the very end and nearly pulled off the upset. Three turnovers ultimately doomed Utah State, but the performance gave Matt even more reason to believe in his bowl-eligibility prediction. BYU also impressed against Arizona. After a shaky first half defensively, the Cougars made major adjustments at halftime and completely shut down the Wildcats in the second half. Matt breaks down the changes from Kelley Poppinga, the pressure on Noah Fifita, Bear Bachmeier's performance and why this BYU team is starting to look like a legitimate College Football Playoff contender. Then Matt takes a look at the latest AP Poll, where BYU jumped to No. 11 and Utah climbed to No. 17. To wrap things up, Matt gives a quick update on the Utah Mammoth rookie showcase, including the team's 3-0 win over Vegas and the status of Tij Iginla and Caleb Desnoyers heading into main training camp. It's another week of Utah sports, college football reactions and a little bit of AP Poll skepticism from the man cave. Spelunkers, if you enjoyed the episode, leave a five-star review wherever you listen and share the show with one person who might enjoy it. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Matt breaks down a busy Week 1 for Utah college football, including impressive performances from Utah and BYU and a rough opening loss for Utah State against Idaho State. Utah looked dominant against Idaho, with Devon Dampier, the offense, and the defense providing plenty of reasons for optimism. Matt also looks at the areas the Utes still need to clean up before Big 12 play ramps up. BYU opened the season with a strong performance against Utah Tech, with Bear Bachmeier, Legend Glasker, and the Cougars' tight ends standing out. Matt also examines BYU's special teams and pass rush concerns ahead of the Arizona game. Utah State, meanwhile, suffered a disappointing 29-17 home loss to Idaho State. Matt explains why the Aggies' offense, turnovers, kicking game, and upcoming schedule should have fans concerned, while also arguing that it's still far too early to abandon his preseason prediction. The episode then shifts to Real Salt Lake, who remain winless since the end of May after a 2-2 draw with LAFC. Matt breaks down RSL's defensive problems, injuries, tactical issues, and the challenges facing the club as the MLS playoff race continues. It's Week 1, so there is still plenty of time for Utah, BYU, Utah State, and Real Salt Lake to figure things out. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Matt wraps up his 2026 college football previews with a look at the Utah State Aggies. After a six-win season in 2025, Utah State enters a new-look Pac-12 with plenty of questions. The Aggies lost several key contributors, including their quarterback, offensive coordinator, Ike Taylor and John Miller, but Matt sees enough returning and incoming talent to believe Bronco Mendenhall can outperform expectations once again. Matt breaks down Utah State's schedule, the transition to the Pac-12, the importance of the Washington State game, and the Aggies' chances of reaching bowl eligibility — and potentially backing their way into the Pac-12 Championship Game. He also identifies the players who could determine Utah State's season, including quarterback McCae Hillstead, wide receiver Javon Robinson, running back Javen Jacobs, defensive back Brevin Hamblin, edge Adonis Jackson and linebacker Harrison Taggart. The final prediction? 6-6, another bowl game, and a legitimate chance to finish in the top four of the Pac-12. That might be considerably more optimistic than the preseason expectations, but Matt isn't exactly backing away from it. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Matt breaks down the University of Utah's 2026 football season, from the transition away from Kyle Whittingham to Morgan Scalley's first season as head coach. Coming off an 11-2 season that included a dominant 44-22 bowl victory over Nebraska, Utah returns plenty of talent, including quarterback Devin Dampier and running back Wayshawn Parker, while facing major questions along both the offensive and defensive lines. Matt breaks down the schedule, the biggest position-group concerns, the quarterback and running back rooms, the new-look offensive line, the defensive front, special teams and the players who could determine how far the Utes go. The schedule may be one of the biggest advantages Utah has in 2026. Matt sees Idaho, Arkansas, Utah State, Iowa State, Kansas, Colorado and Cincinnati as wins, with Houston and BYU representing the biggest tests of the regular season. And then there's the prediction. Matt believes Utah's floor is 10-2, sees an undefeated season as the ceiling and ultimately predicts an 11-1 record with a loss to BYU. Could the Utes make a run at the College Football Playoff? Could Utah and BYU meet again in the Big 12 Championship Game? Matt breaks it all down before looking ahead to the players and storylines that could define Utah's 2026 season. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail BYU football enters the 2026 season with expectations unlike anything the program has seen in years and Matt believes the Cougars have a legitimate path to an 11-1 record, another Big 12 Championship Game appearance and a spot in the College Football Playoff. In this 2026 BYU Football Preview, Matt breaks down what the Cougars lost from last season, why the roster has enough continuity to remain near the top of the Big 12, and which position groups could determine how far this team goes. The wide receiver room gets plenty of attention, including Jojo Phillips and Legend Glasker, while the completely rebuilt special teams unit emerges as one of the biggest concerns. Matt also looks at Bear Bachmeier's development, LJ Martin's importance to the offense, the talented tight end room featuring Walker Lyons and Roger Saleapaga, and the defensive players who could make a major impact. The 2026 schedule gets a full breakdown as well, including Arizona, TCU, Notre Dame, UCF, Arizona State and Utah. Matt explains why Notre Dame will be the defining game of the regular season and why BYU could realistically enter the Big 12 Championship Game at 11-1. The episode also includes a prediction that could be far more controversial than any win-loss projection: Matt believes the relationship between Brian Santiago and Kalani Sitake could lead to Sitake leaving BYU after the 2026 season. The final prediction? BYU goes 11-1, returns to the Big 12 Championship Game and reaches the College Football Playoff. The 2026 season is about to get very interesting. Follow The Matt Cave Podcast on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube for more Utah sports coverage, including BYU, Utah, Utah State, the Utah Mammoth, Real Salt Lake and the Utah Jazz. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Matt returns to the Matt Cave Podcast with another collection of Utah sports thoughts, covering Real Salt Lake, Zavier Gozo’s move to Crystal Palace, Cosmo the Cougar’s induction into the Mascot Hall of Fame, and the upcoming college football season. Real Salt Lake responded to Zavier Gozo’s record-setting move to Crystal Palace with a dominant 4–0 victory over Atlante in the Leagues Cup. Matt breaks down what Gozo’s transfer means for RSL and why developing young players and selling them to bigger European clubs could be the path forward for a smaller MLS market. Matt also looks at why Real Salt Lake needs to treat player development and major transfers as victories of their own, particularly with young players such as Diego Luna, Sergi Solans and Morgan Guilavogui potentially following Gozo toward bigger opportunities. The episode also celebrates Cosmo the Cougar being inducted into the 2026 Mascot Hall of Fame alongside mascots including Mrs. Met and Goldie. Finally, Matt dives into ESPN’s choices for Utah and BYU college football archrivals, including the case for Max Hall, the old Bowl Alliance controversy involving BYU, and several freshmen who could make an immediate impact for Utah and BYU this season. Topics include: • Real Salt Lake 4–0 Atlante • Zavier Gozo’s move to Crystal Palace • Real Salt Lake’s youth development strategy • Diego Luna and the future of RSL • Cosmo the Cougar and the Mascot Hall of Fame • Utah Utes football • BYU football • Max Hall and the Holy War • The Bowl Alliance and the College Football Playoff • Utah and BYU freshmen to watch The Matt Cave Podcast covers Utah sports, including Real Salt Lake, Utah football, BYU football, the Utah Mammoth and the Utah Jazz, with Matt offering his perspective from inside the Utah sports landscape. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail This week, Matt takes a look around the Utah sports landscape before diving into what could become Major League Baseball's biggest problem in years. Real Salt Lake continues to slide down the Western Conference standings after another disappointing result, while the Utah Royals remain one of the surprise stories of the NWSL despite a recent dip in form. Matt also gives credit to the Utah Talons after winning another professional softball championship. The biggest discussion centers around Major League Baseball after the Dodgers acquired Tarik Skubal. Matt explains why the trade isn't actually Los Angeles' fault, why MLB owners are creating an unsustainable competitive balance, and why another labor stoppage feels almost inevitable. The episode also wraps up with thoughts on EA Sports College Football and why modern sports games continue to frustrate players. If you enjoy thoughtful Utah sports coverage every week, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share the show. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Matt is back with another episode of The Matt Cave Podcast, covering three major Utah sports storylines. Real Salt Lake has stumbled out of the post-World Cup break after losses to LAFC and the Portland Timbers. Matt breaks down RSL's offensive struggles, the impact of red cards and injuries, the team's position in the Western Conference, and whether a continued slide could eventually force the club to consider selling major assets such as Diego Luna or Moïse Bombito. The Utah Mammoth have made another major long-term commitment by signing defenseman John Marino to an eight-year, $54 million extension. Matt explains why the deal could be a smart piece of business for Utah, why the Mammoth's long-term player retention is a major change from the organization's Arizona Coyotes past, and what the roster could look like heading into next season. Matt also takes a closer look at the Mammoth's biggest remaining roster questions, including the third defensive pairing, the crowded forward group, TJ Gignac's potential role, the futures of Michael Carcone and Kailer Yamamoto, and why Matt strongly disagrees with the decision to re-sign Barrett Hayton. Finally, the Utah Jazz are no longer trying to lose. After years of tanking, the Jazz have entered a new phase, and Matt explains why he believes Utah could be much better than many national analysts expect. The episode also examines the Jazz's playoff chances, the impact of Darryn Peterson, Keyonte George, Isaiah Collier, and the changing Western Conference. Topics covered: • Real Salt Lake's struggles after the World Cup break • RSL's playoff position and potential transfer decisions • John Marino's eight-year Utah Mammoth extension • The Mammoth's defensive and forward depth • Barrett Hayton's place on the roster • Utah's changing player recruitment and retention • Why the Utah Jazz could make the playoffs • Darryn Peterson, Keyonte George, and Isaiah Collier • Why Summer League results should not be overanalyzed Matt covers Utah sports, the Utah Mammoth, Real Salt Lake, and the Utah Jazz every week on The Matt Cave Podcast. Listen, follow, rate, review, and share the podcast with someone who loves Utah sports. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail This week on The Matt Cave Podcast, Matt shifts the focus to soccer and baseball during a quieter stretch on Utah's sports calendar. The episode breaks down the Utah Royals' recent struggles following the international break, why there's still plenty of reason for optimism, and what they'll need to do to stay near the top of the NWSL standings. Matt also previews Real Salt Lake's return to MLS play, discusses Diego Luna's future, transfer rumors surrounding several RSL stars, and why the second half of the season could define the club. To close the show, Matt dives into Major League Baseball expansion, the looming labor negotiations between MLB owners and players, and how a potential lockout could delay Utah's dream of landing an MLB franchise. If you love Utah sports, you'll find thoughtful analysis every week from a local perspective. Follow The Matt Cave Podcast on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for more Utah sports content. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Could Real Salt Lake be preparing to say goodbye to two of its brightest young stars? This week, Matt examines the growing European interest in Diego Luna and Zavier Gozo, what it says about Real Salt Lake's player development, and why RSL supporters should enjoy watching them while they still can. The club's academy continues to prove it can produce talent capable of competing in the world's biggest leagues.  Matt also dives into ESPN's all-time college football jersey rankings, discusses why Utah's quarterback room deserves national recognition, and revisits the Utah Mammoth's decision to match Barrett Hayton's offer sheet, including a listener comment that offered a new perspective on the debate.  To close the episode, Matt reviews Palworld 1.0 after nearly 300 hours of gameplay. From reduced grinding and expanded story content to improved combat and quality-of-life upgrades, he explains why the full release remains one of the year's easiest gaming recommendations.  Support the show