The rivalry series between the two schools was largely dominated in the early years by Utah State until 1974.

The Old Wagon Wheel also returned to Utah State on October 3, 2014, when they beat BYU 35–20.

Starting in 1981, the two teams have usually met on the first Friday of October, which has certain significance since it is generally the same weekend that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) holds its semiannual worldwide General Conference.

[3] The battle for the Old Wagon Wheel is an important cultural event in the state of Utah given the longstanding rivalry between the two schools and the fact that the majority of the student body at both schools recognize themselves to be members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

BYU announced they have canceled the following four games (2023-2026) they had agreed to in their contract, as their move into the Big 12 will require them to accommodate conference schedules.