In a thrilling conclusion to an intense college football rivalry at Rice-Eccles Stadium, the BYU Cougars secured an improbable comeback victory against the University of Utah Utes. The match concluded with a dramatic turn of events that included a crucial fourth-down penalty against Utah, allowing BYU a second chance that they capitalized on to win 22-21.
As time slipped away, BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff found himself on the ground, seemingly at the end of the game. However, a holding penalty on Utah’s cornerback Zemaiah Vaughn granted the Cougars a new set of downs. In a mere 1:31, Retzlaff orchestrated a swift offensive drive, culminating in a 44-yard field goal by kicker Will Ferrin to clinch the victory.
This unexpected twist did not sit well with Utah’s athletic director Mark Harlan, who expressed his outrage over the officiating, marking this game as “stolen” from the Utes. He conveyed his disappointment in the officiating crew’s professionalism and indicated a desire to discuss the matter with the conference commissioner.
Meanwhile, Utah’s head coach Kyle Whittingham praised his team’s performance despite the defeat. With a record of 4-5 this season, the Utes have now experienced five consecutive losses, diminishing their hopes of a successful season, while BYU improves to a stellar 9-0, placing them firmly atop the Big 12 standings.
Utah controlled much of the game early on, led by sophomore quarterback Brandon Rose in his first start, who threw two touchdown passes and contributed a rushing score. Despite their solid lead of 21-10 at halftime, the Utes could not hold onto it in the fourth quarter.
The stats showed that BYU outgained the Utes, achieving 339 yards compared to Utah’s 259. Retzlaff completed 219 yards passing along with a rushing touchdown, while Rose finished with 12 completions on 21 attempts and an interception.
While this heartbreaking loss for Utah may feel discouraging, it provides an opportunity for growth and learning as they move forward. The team’s spirit and determination demonstrated throughout the match indicate a potential for recovery in future games. As for BYU, their remarkable start to the season sets high expectations as they aim for continued success in the conference.