The Matt Cave
The Voice for all things Utah sports, Matt gives you his unedited and unbridled opinion on the current events around the state. Sprinkled in are video game reviews and talk about important national sports stories. Listen now and become a spelunker today!
Mammoth Playoff Lessons, Real Salt Lake Bounce Back, and Utah Jazz Offseason Questions
Send us Fan Mail
Matt breaks down the end of the Utah Mammoth’s first real playoff run and why, even though the series loss to Vegas hurt, the season should still be viewed as a success.
This episode dives into what the Mammoth learned against the Golden Knights, why Karel Vejmelka is still the goalie moving forward, why Clayton Keller deserves to keep the captaincy, and what Utah needs to address this offseason. Matt also talks through Andre Tourigny’s emotional postgame response and why it may have changed his view of the Mammoth head...
Utah NFL Draft Recap, RSL vs Messi Takeaways & Mammoth Playoff Surge
Send us Fan Mail
Matt breaks down a packed week in Utah sports, starting with a full recap of the NFL Draft and where local talent from Utah, BYU, and Utah State landed — including standout reactions, surprise slides, and undrafted players to watch.
From there, the focus shifts to Real Salt Lake’s matchup against Inter Miami and Lionel Messi. Despite the loss, RSL showed they can hang with MLS Cup contenders, raising questions about their ceiling this season and how they respond moving forward.
The episode wraps with an in-depth look at the...
Utah Mammoth vs Golden Knights Playoff Preview | RSL, Jazz & BYU
Send us Fan Mail
In this week’s episode of The Matt Cave, Matt dives deep into a packed weekend of Utah and national sports storylines with his signature unfiltered analysis and humor.
The episode opens with a full playoff preview between the Utah Mammoth and the Vegas Golden Knights, breaking down goaltending advantages, depth scoring, and why playoff experience may be the deciding factor in the series. Matt also shares his prediction for how the series plays out and what it means for Utah’s first real taste of NHL postseason hockey.
From...
Utah Jazz Rebuild Over? Mammoth Playoff Push & BYU Transfer Portal Shakeup
Send us Fan Mail
Matt breaks down a massive turning point in Utah sports as multiple seasons come to a close and new opportunities emerge.
He dives into the Utah Jazz signaling the end of their rebuild, analyzing the current roster, potential starting lineup, and why next season could be more competitive than expected. From Lauri Markkanen’s impact to the addition of Jaren Jackson Jr., Matt explains why the Jazz may be closer to playoff contention than many think.
On the ice, the Utah Mammoth are heading to the playoffs for the fi...
Utah Mammoth Surge, Jazz Tank & RSL Hot Start + SurrounDead Review
Send us Fan Mail
Matt dives into a packed week across Utah sports and gaming, breaking down the Utah Mammoth’s red-hot road trip and what it means as the playoffs approach. With the offense firing on all cylinders but defensive concerns still lingering, are the Mammoth truly ready for a deep run?
On the hardwood, the Utah Jazz continue their late-season slide, fully embracing the tank—but will it even matter in a lottery Matt believes is anything but fair? He breaks down the standings, scenarios, and why Jazz fans should already be bracing for...
Jazz Talk, Mammoth Playoff Push & Arc Raiders vs Marathon
Send us Fan Mail
Matt breaks down a packed week across Utah sports and gaming.
The episode opens with a deep dive into the Utah Jazz and their current positioning in the standings, what their tanking strategy really means, and why Matt believes the NBA draft lottery may not fall in their favor. He also evaluates the development of key young players and what the roster could realistically look like next season.
From there, Matt shifts to Real Salt Lake, who continue to surprise early in the season. With a favorable matchup ahead...
BYU Season Ends, Utah State Shines & Jazz Tank Talk
Send us Fan Mail
Matt breaks down a packed week in Utah sports, starting with BYU basketball’s frustrating but injury-riddled season and what’s next for AJ Dybantsa’s future. He then dives into Utah State’s impressive tournament run and why the Aggies continue to exceed expectations year after year.
The conversation shifts to the Utah Jazz and the ongoing tank debate, including strong opinions on player development, roster construction, and the future of the franchise. Matt also covers Real Salt Lake’s surprising start and what to expect moving forward, before wrapping up with a...
Utah Mammoth Collapse, Jazz Tanking Debate & March Madness
Send us Fan Mail
Matt returns with one of the most frustrated episodes of The Matt Cave Podcast yet.
With March Madness arriving and Utah sports delivering plenty of drama, Matt breaks down the biggest storylines across the state—from college basketball to the NHL playoff race.
The episode opens with a look at the University of Utah’s difficult basketball season and what comes next under head coach Alex Jensen. Matt also celebrates Utah State’s impressive Mountain West championship run and discusses where the Aggies could land in the NCAA Tournament. Meanwh...
Jazz Tanking, Mammoth Deadline, RSL Win
Send us Fan Mail
Utah sports had a lot going on this week, and Matt breaks it all down.
The Utah Jazz continue their slide in the standings as the race for the NBA Draft Lottery heats up. Matt explains why he believes the NBA may already have its mind made up about where the Jazz will pick and why Utah seems to be the league’s current scapegoat for tanking.
College basketball season is wrapping up across the state. Matt reacts to Utah State winning the Mountain West regular season championship, BYU’s bi...
Jazz Tanking, Mammoth Trade Buzz & RSL’s Home Opener
Send us Fan Mail
Matt breaks down a packed week across Utah sports, starting with the Utah Jazz and the ongoing debate around tanking, league scrutiny, and lottery positioning as the NBA season winds down.
College basketball takes center stage with honest reactions to the Utah Utes’ rebuilding process, Utah State controlling its postseason destiny, and a frustrating stretch for BYU as injuries and roster construction concerns reshape expectations heading toward March.
The conversation then shifts to the Utah Mammoth, who currently control their playoff fate while major trade rumors swirl ahead of th...
Utah Olympic Recap, Jazz Tank Debate, BYU Reality & RSL Season Start
Send us Fan Mail
Matt dives into a packed Utah sports week with a full Olympic recap, NBA controversy, college basketball reactions, and the start of the MLS season.
He breaks down how Utah-based Olympians performed on the world stage, including Clayton Keller’s gold medal performance, Olli Määttä’s bronze, and standout moments from Utah’s winter athletes. From Breezy Johnson’s mental toughness to Chris Lillis proving critics wrong, Matt celebrates the local impact at the Games.
Then it’s time for the Utah Jazz tank debate. Matt addresses the growing natio...
Utah Basketball Check-In, Olympic Snubs Hurt the Mammoth, and ESPN’s Longstanding Problem With the Jazz
Send us Fan Mail
Matt breaks down a packed week in Utah sports, starting with a full check-in on college basketball across the state. Utah State continues to prove it’s the class of the Mountain West, while Utah searches for an identity and BYU’s lack of depth raises real concerns as the season grinds on.
From there, Matt turns to the Utah Mammoth and the frustration surrounding the Winter Olympics. Clayton Keller being repeatedly scratched, questionable coaching decisions, and missed opportunities leave Mammoth fans shaking their heads heading into the stretch run.
Th...
BYU’s Basketball Collapse, Utah Jazz Signal the End of the Rebuild, and the State of Utah Hoops
Send us Fan Mail
In this episode of The Matt Cave Podcast, Matt breaks down a turbulent week in Utah sports, starting with BYU basketball’s alarming collapse at the worst possible time. Despite elite talent at the top, the Cougars’ flaws are being exposed — poor free throw shooting, disappearing secondary scorers, and a lack of depth that raises serious questions about their ceiling under Kevin Young.
Matt also examines Utah State’s continued dominance as the class of the Mountain West, contrasting the Aggies’ consistency with BYU’s unraveling. Utah basketball gets a reality check as wel...
BYU’s Reality Check, Utah State Takes Control, and the Utah Mammoth’s Costly Collapse
Send us Fan Mail
This week on The Matt Cave Podcast, Matt breaks down a tough reality check for BYU basketball after a brutal Big 12 stretch reveals the team’s true ceiling. With expectations sky-high, Matt explains why BYU is still ahead of schedule and why perspective matters when an 18-year-old star is carrying the weight of a program.
Utah State, meanwhile, has officially separated itself as the class of the Mountain West. After a statement win over San Diego State, the Aggies look like legitimate favorites to win both the regular season and conference to...
Holy War Redux, the Jazz’s Tank Note Era, and a Mammoth Team Ready to Move
Send us Fan Mail
In this episode of The Matt Cave Podcast, Matt dives headfirst into a full Utah sports spiral! Starting with college basketball and ending with a full-on plea for the Utah Mammoth to stop waiting and make a move.
Matt breaks down Utah State’s sudden stumble after earning national respect, reacts to the final Holy War of the season as BYU takes down Utah behind a historic night from AJ Dybantsa, and takes a realistic look at where Utah basketball stands in year one of a rebuild that’s going to requ...
Transfer Dust Settling, Basketball Reality Checks, and a Red-Hot Utah Mammoth
Send us Fan Mail
The transfer portal door may be closed, but the ripple effects are still shaping Utah and BYU heading into next season. Matt breaks down where both programs stand, why BYU’s talent retention under Kalani Sitake continues to separate them nationally, and how Utah has quietly reloaded after significant departures.
The episode then shifts to the Utah Mammoth, who are riding one of the best stretches in the NHL and holding firm in the playoff picture. Defensive consistency, unexpected contributors, and looming trade deadline questions take center stage as Utah proves it...
BYU’s Portal Masterclass, Holy War Hoops Chaos, Utah State’s Rise & Mammoth Momentum
Send us Fan Mail
This week’s episode of The Matt Cave Podcast is packed with storylines across Utah sports.
The show opens with a full transfer portal breakdown across Utah State, Utah, and BYU — including why Kalani Sitake’s ability to retain elite talent has been one of the most impressive developments of the offseason. While there are still fair questions about BYU’s defensive coordinator hire, the overall roster retention and portal additions put the Cougars in an outstanding position heading into next season.
From there, the focus shifts to the <...
BYU’s DC Options, Utah’s Coaching Exodus, Mammoth Inconsistency & AJ Dybantsa’s Rise | Utah Sports to Start 2026
Send us Fan Mail
The first episode of 2026 is a full-state check-in on Utah sports — and it starts with BYU finally having real options.
Matt breaks down the Cougars’ defensive coordinator search and explains why this hire is different from past cycles, with deep dives on Shaun Nua, Vic So’oto, Gary Andersen, Justin Ena, and why an in-house move would be settling. From there, the focus shifts north to a University of Utah program in flux, examining the coaching exodus to Michigan, the loss of elite offensive line development, roster depart...
Utah Football’s Bowl Finale, BYU & Aggies Predictions, Jazz Defensive Collapse, Mammoth Playoff Fight & A Thank You Message
Send us Fan Mail
It’s the final Matt Cave Sunday of the year, so buckle up — because we’re hitting every major Utah team before we head into 2026.
Matt starts things off with bowl season, where Utah State gets a legit coin-flip matchup with Washington State, BYU gets a winnable showdown with Georgia Tech, and Utah walks into Kyle Whittingham’s last-ever game as a 16.5-point favorite in the Las Vegas. Then we jump to college hoops:
Utah State looks like the class of the Mountain West.Utah gears up for B...“Stepping Down” Isn’t Retiring, Bowl Season Apathy, and a Rare Win for the VGAs
Send us Fan Mail
This week’s episode of The Matt Cave Podcast opens with a deep dive into the University of Utah’s oddly worded announcement that Kyle Whittingham is “stepping down” — not retiring — and why the timing of that decision raises real questions. With a $500 million private equity partnership suddenly entering the picture, Matt breaks down why the language matters, why the silence around it is strange, and why the story may not be as simple as it seems.
From there, the show turns to bowl season — and whether it has meant anything...
Championship Weekend Chaos, Utah Hoops Heating Up, Mammoth Meltdowns & a Must-Play Game Review
Send us Fan Mail
This week on The Matt Cave, Matt's doing a full post-mortem on Championship Weekend…and folks, woof barely covers it. BYU walked into a Texas Tech buzzsaw with a one-legged freshman quarterback and left with a reminder of what a real championship roster looks like. Kalani isn’t going anywhere (and never was), and the Cougars now have their blueprint for the future, whether they like it or not.
Then we move into college basketball, where the Utes are confusing, Utah State is quietly becoming a wagon, and BYU Hoops looks like...
Utah Beats Kansas, BYU Surges, and Why Matt Says the CFP Committee Is Completely Broken
Send us Fan Mail
In this week’s post-Thanksgiving episode of The Matt Cave, Matt delivers a full therapy session for Utah sports fans. He breaks down Utah State’s collapse in peak Bronco Mendenhall fashion, Utah’s narrow escape against Kansas, and BYU’s early-morning sleepwalk that turned into a dominant win to reach 11–1 heading into Championship Week.
Matt then unloads on the College Football Playoff Committee — calling out the contradictions, the SEC favoritism, and the outright nonsense surrounding strength of record, game control, and why certain teams (looking at you, Notre Dame) stay ranked witho...
Everyone Wins in Utah: BYU’s Statement Win, Utah’s Wild Finish, and Utah State Becomes Bowl Eligible
Send us Fan Mail
Happy Thanksgiving, Spelunkers! 🦃 This week on The Matt Cave, Utah sports actually had a rare, beautiful moment — everybody won. BYU basketball handled Wisconsin in a revenge spot, Utah State became bowl eligible with a wild second-half turnaround, Utah pulled off a chaotic thriller against Kansas State, and BYU football got carried to victory by an absolutely monstrous performance from LJ Martin.
I break down:
BYU men’s basketball locking down Wisconsin with shockingly elite defenseUtah State shocking Fresno and keeping Mountain West title hopes aliveUtah surviving a back...Utah Football Runs Wild, BYU Rebounds, and Mammoth Fans Need to Chill
Send us Fan Mail
This week on The Matt Cave, Matt breaks down another eventful weekend in Utah sports, featuring decisive wins, late-season drama, and some much-needed perspective for Mammoth fans.
The episode opens with Utah State’s double-overtime loss to UNLV, a game that perfectly showcased the traditional Bronco Mendenhall script: competitive, gritty, and frustratingly close. With Fresno State and Boise State left, the Aggies still have a narrow path to bowl eligibility, but the margin for error is gone.
From there, Matt dives into Utah’s dominant rushing perf...
BYU’s Ceiling, Utah’s Chances, and the Mammoth’s Brutal Schedule — The Bad Weekend in Utah Sports
Send us Fan Mail
This weekend was one of those weekends in Utah sports.
BYU got humiliated on a national stage — again — and I’ve got some words for the coaches, the offensive line, and a fanbase that needs to calm down. Utah’s Big 12 hopes? Barely alive, but technically still breathing. Utah State? Quietly rolling and one win from bowl season.
Then we shift to hoops: BYU men’s basketball is fun again… but Rob Wright might be a black hole for the ball. I break down Kevin Young’s rotations and what needs to chang...
Rice-Eccles After Dark, BYU’s Big 12 Stakes, and a Final Four in Provo?
Send us Fan Mail
Rice-Eccles at night once again reminded everyone why there’s nothing like Utah Football under the lights. Devon Dampier proved the doubters wrong, Utah rolled a supposedly “ranked” Cincinnati squad, and I break down why the national media’s obsession with the Kelce's is the only reason the Bearcats were even in the conversation.
Then we pivot south to Provo, where BYU’s entire Big 12 season hangs on an early-morning slugfest with Texas Tech. I’ll explain why it’s the defining game for both BYU and Utah’s playoff paths, and why Cougar f...
BYU Shocks Iowa State | Utah Destroys Colorado | Utah Mammoth Take Over the NHL
Send us Fan Mail
In this week’s episode of The Matt Cave Podcast, Matt breaks down a most chaotic weekend in Utah sports.
BYU Football stuns Iowa State on national TV, led by true freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier and a pair of elite game plans from coordinators Jay Hill and Aaron Roderick. Matt dives into how BYU’s defense adapted, why the offensive simplifications worked, and what this means for a possible Big 12 title run.Utah Football annihilates Colorado in Salt Lake City, handing Deion Sanders the worst loss of his Color...Holy War Fallout, RSL Backdoors the Playoffs, Aggies Stay Alive, and Mammoth Momentum
Send us Fan Mail
We survived Rivalry Week — and somehow, Real Salt Lake survived the regular season too.
In this week’s episode of The Matt Cave Podcast, I break down:
The Holy War aftermath: BYU’s physical dominance, Utah’s offensive woes, and what this means for both programs moving forward.Real Salt Lake’s wild playoff berth: how a 2–2 draw was enough, and why that “achievement” feels hollow.Utah State’s sneaky bowl hopes: Bronco Mendenhall’s Aggies are scrappy, but can they actually sneak into the Mountain West ti...Utah’s Big 12 Takeover, Mammoth’s Strong Start, RSL’s Playoff Drama & Borderlands 4 Review
Send us Fan Mail
It’s Sunday… and you know what that means. Time to spelunk back into the madness of Utah sports and a little gaming sanity check to wrap it all up.
This week I break down:
Real Salt Lake’s playoff rollercoaster — win and you’re in, lose and you’re out. Diego Luna’s return might be the spark they need.Utah Mammoth’s encouraging start — Cooley and Guenther look like future Olympians, and this young squad might just crash the playoff party.Utah State’s ongoing frustratio...BYU’s Win, RSL Surge, and the Jazz Still a Mess
Send us Fan Mail
This week, BYU wins but looks banged-up doing it. Bear Bachmeier flashed brilliance, Kalani Sitake’s team racked up penalties, and the Cougars’ defense limped into the toughest stretch of their Big 12 schedule.
Meanwhile, Real Salt Lake pulled out a gritty 1-0 win over Colorado to stay alive in the playoff race (yes, really), and the Utah Jazz continue to prove that “rebuild” is just code for “eternal mediocrity.” Nepotism, busted draft picks, and confusing messaging — Matt’s got thoughts.
No game review this week, but next Sunday...
Utah Football Weekend Recap: BYU Stuns Colorado, Utah Shuts Down WVU, Aggies Impress, RSL Still on the Edge
Send us Fan Mail
Three out of four Utah teams came away with wins this weekend — and you know I’ve got takes.
I start with Utah State, who looked surprisingly competitive against Vanderbilt before SEC depth wore them down. But with Bryson Barnes settling in and John Miller anchoring the defense, the Aggies may have more juice this season than expected.
Then it’s over to Salt Lake City’s big boys: the Utes absolutely suffocated West Virginia on the road, though Devin Dampier’s turnover issues still loom large. The defense looks legi...
Utah Football Meltdowns, BYU’s Defense, Aggies Reality Check & A PSA for Gamers
Send us Fan Mail
This week inside The Matt Cave, it’s a full Utah football rundown:
The Utes got thrashed at home by Texas Tech — is Kyle Whittingham’s offense officially broken?Utah State cruised past McNeese, but Bronco Mendenhall’s philosophy is already raising red flags.BYU’s defense looks Big 12-ready, but can the Cougars’ offense keep up as Colorado looms?Plus, a quick look at the Utah Mammoth’s brand-new world-class practice facility as preseason gets rolling, and I close the show with a public service announcement for arena shooter players everywhere. (S...
Utes survive Wyoming; Utah State rolls Air Force; RSL tops SKC | Texas Tech preview, Mammoth rookies, Borderlands 4 first look
Send us Fan Mail
Three wins in Utah this week and a whole lot to talk about.
I break down Utah’s gritty road win at Wyoming—dominant defense (hello, John Henry Daly), red-zone hiccups, and a freshman kicking game that has me chewing nails—then pivot to a huge Texas Tech at Utah preview with Big Noon Kickoff in town. After that, it’s Utah State shocking Air Force behind Bryson Barnes’ five touchdowns and why bowl eligibility suddenly feels real in Year 1 under Bronco. We jump back into MLS with Real Salt...
BYU’s Elite Defense, Utah’s Easy Win & Aggies’ Reality Check | Borderlands 4 & The Finals
Send us Fan Mail
This week on The Matt Cave, Utah college football takes center stage. 🏈
BYU vs. Stanford: The Cougars’ defense dominated with sacks, turnovers, and shutdown play, but offensive play-calling remains a concern.Utah vs. Cal Poly: A blowout win revealed little, though questions linger about two-way players and receiver depth.Utah State vs. Texas A&M: Bronco Mendenhall’s Aggies showed fight but were ultimately outclassed in a tough paycheck game.Beyond football, the show covers the Utah Mammoth’s rookie camp at their brand-new...
Utah Football Hat Trick, BYU’s 69–0 Romp, and Why Borderlands 4 & Battlefield 6 Rule 2025
Send us Fan Mail
🚨 New Episode Alert! 🚨
Week 1 of college football is in the books — and for once, we’ve got a Utah hat trick 🎩⚡ All three teams (Utah, BYU, Utah State) came away with wins… though some looked a whole lot prettier than others 👀
🏈 Utah’s defense embarrassed UCLA while Dampier took care of the ball
🏈 Utah State found stability (and some weird helmets) in Bronco Mendenhall’s debut
🏈 BYU’s true freshman QB Bear Bachmeier didn’t just survive — he thrived in a 69–0 demolition
Plus, I wrap things up with my hype check on Borderlands...
BYU Football 2025 Preview: Bear Bachmeier, Season Predictions & The Finals Game Review
Send us Fan Mail
The 2025 college football season is here — and The Matt Cave is diving deep into the BYU Cougars football preview before Week 1 kicks off.
In this episode, Matt breaks down everything Cougar Nation needs to know:
QB1 Bear Bachmeier: true freshman starter, comparisons to Taysom Hill, and what fans can realistically expect.BYU’s offense: Chase Roberts, Tiger Bachmeier, JoJo Phillips, LJ Martin, and a rebuilt offensive line.BYU’s defense: led by Jack Kelly, Isaiah Glasker, and Raider Demouni — but can they finally...Utah Football Season Preview & EA Sports College Football 26 Review
Send us Fan Mail
The Utes are on deck! This week on The Matt Cave Podcast, Matt dives deep into the University of Utah’s 2025 football season outlook under Kyle Whittingham. With Devon Dampier stepping into the spotlight and Jason Beck bringing a new-look offense, what can Ute fans realistically expect? Matt lays out Utah’s floor, ceiling, and his season prediction, plus the players to watch as the Big 12 era ramps up.
To close things out, Matt reviews EA Sports College Football 26. Was this year’s version a step forward or just an exp...
Utah State Football 2025 Preview & Why the Battlefield 6 Beta is a Game-Changer
Send us Fan Mail
Football season is almost here, and it’s time to break down Year One of the Bronco Mendenhall era at Utah State. I cover the Aggies’ offense, defense, coaching staff, key players, and schedule before giving my official 2025 record prediction — and it might not be what Aggie fans want to hear.
Then we shift gears to gaming, diving into why the Battlefield 6 beta has over half a million concurrent players, how EA finally learned from Battlefield 2042’s mistakes, and why October 2025 could be the best month fo...
Real Salt Lake’s Leagues Cup Chaos, Battlefield 6 Hype, and Dallas Cowboys Drama
Send us Fan Mail
Soccer, shooters, and some spicy NFL drama—this week’s Matt Cave has it all.
First, Matt breaks down Real Salt Lake’s wild run in the Leagues Cup, explaining what the tournament actually is, why MLS vs. Liga MX is heating up, and how RSL’s penalty shootouts became must-watch chaos.
Then it’s on to Battlefield 6, where EA finally looks ready to bounce back after the disaster of 2042. Hear why the new reveal has Matt cautiously hyped and why this could be the Battlefiel...
BYU Basketball in ESPN's Top 10?! Plus RSL's Playoff Push & Mammoth News Tease
Send us Fan Mail
This week in The Matt Cave, Matt tries to process two things he never thought he'd say in 2025: Real Salt Lake is in playoff position, and BYU Men’s Basketball is being hyped as a national title contender. No, seriously.
First, he breaks down RSL’s wild 2-1 win over San Jose, featuring two goals that were more “gifts” than greatness. Then it's time to dive into an ESPN article that has BYU ahead of blue bloods like Duke, Kansas, and Michigan State — a sentence 15-year-old Matt would never believe. A...
