In a rivalry that never fails to deliver some of the most unexpected, bizarre, controversial and unbelievable endings imaginable, Saturday night's reunion of the blue and red might just rise to the top of the list.
And it might just convince some that the BYU Cougars of 2024 are a team of destiny.
How else to explain what transpired at packed-beyond-capacity Rice-Eccles Stadium?
Left for dead when plucky quarterback Jake Retzlaff was sacked on fourth down a half-yard away from his own end zone, then rescued by a defensive holding penalty that was either legitimate or bogus — depending on what side of the rivalry one falls on — No. 9 BYU took advantage of the big break in the biggest way imaginable in front of a stadium-record 54,383 fans.
Retzlaff drove the Cougars to the game-winning field goal with 3 seconds remaining on the clock.
Will Ferrin did the honors, drilling the medium-length kick from 44 yards to lift the Comeback Cougs to a 22-21 win that almost certainly will go down in rivalry lore as one of the most improbable ever.
After losing to Utah nine straight times, BYU has now won the last two in one of the country's best rivalries.
"You guys know we love two minute drill," Retzlaff said. "I will tell you what, when I was in the end zone, with my back in the end zone, It wasn't a good feeling. Looking up and seeing that we had new life, the guys were confident, man."
Retzlaff's 30-yard toss to Chase Roberts got the drive going, and then Darius Lassiter made a 12-yard catch and Hinckley Ropati a 13-yard run to the 25.
The Cougars milked the clock from there, and Ferrin's kick was true — almost right down the middle.
"I knew the second they called the field goal team out there (that the game was on his shoulders)," Ferrin said. "That's something I take a lot of pride in is having a neutral mindset ... Not getting too high or too low in situations. As a kicker, it is crucial."
BYU running back LJ Martin (27) evades Utah Utes defensive end Van Fillinger (7) during a game between the University of Utah Utes and the BYU Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Utah Utes football head coach Kyle Whittingham reacts to a referee's call during a game between the University of Utah Utes and the BYU Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU defensive end Viliami Po'uha (45) and other Cougars celebrate after a field goal from place kicker Will Ferrin (44) gave BYU the lead at 22-21 during a game between the University of Utah Utes and the Brigham Young University Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City early on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Utah Utes quarterback Brandon Rose (8) runs against the Brigham Young Cougars at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Keelan Marion (17) scores on a kickoff return at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham watches players at a time out at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Utah Utes tight end Brant Kuithe (80) celebrates his touchdown at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Utah Utes and Brigham Young Cougars tussle at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Utah Utes wide receiver Dorian Singer (3) runs after a catch against Brigham Young Cougars safety Tanner Wall (28) at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Utah Utes tight end Brant Kuithe (80) runs after a catch at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) throws past Utah Utes defensive tackle Junior Tafuna (58) at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) is surrounded by several Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Utah Utes fans cheer at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Utah Utes running back Micah Bernard (2) celebrate his kickoff return with Utah Utes wide receiver Munir McClain (4) at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Chase Roberts (2) is tackled by several Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Utah Utes quarterback Brandon Rose (8) runs against Brigham Young Cougars safety Tanner Wall (28) at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Utah Utes fans cheer at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars running back LJ Martin (27) runs for yardage against Utah Utes defensive tackle Keanu Tanuvasa (57) at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Utah Utes quarterback Brandon Rose (8) throws past Brigham Young Cougars defensive end Isaiah Bagnah (13) at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Utah Utes quarterback Brandon Rose (8) runs against Brigham Young Cougars defensive end Viliami Po'uha (45) at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. BYU won 22-21. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake talks with Utah Utes defensive tackle Keanu Tanuvasa (57) after the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. BYU won 22-21. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake talk with Utah Utes cornerback Smith Snowden (2) after the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. BYU won 22-21. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Utah Utes offensive lineman Solatoa Moea'i (62) and Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Noah Lugo (19) hug after game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. BYU won 22-21. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Utah Utes running back Micah Bernard (2) walk slowly off the field at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. BYU won 22-21. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Utah Utes cornerback Cameron Calhoun (4) intercepts the two point try at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. BYU won 22-21. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars cornerback Therrian Alexander III (24) celebrates the Cougar victory over the Utah Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. BYU won 22-21. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake and Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham hug after the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. BYU won 22-21. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham yells at the ref after the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. BYU won 22-21. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars place kicker Will Ferrin (44) celebrates the game winning field goal at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. BYU won 22-21. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) prepares for the snap during a game between the University of Utah Utes and the Brigham Young University Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU cornerback Marque Collins (2) breaks up a pass intended for Utah Utes wide receiver Munir McClain (4) during a game between the University of Utah Utes and the Brigham Young University Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) looks to pass the ball during a game between the University of Utah Utes and the Brigham Young University Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Utah Utes cornerback Cameron Calhoun (4) runs the ball after intercepting it on a two-point conversion attempt from BYU during a game between the University of Utah Utes and the Brigham Young University Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU running back LJ Martin (27) runs the ball during a game between the University of Utah Utes and the Brigham Young University Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU running back Pokaiaua Haunga (23) high-fives fans after the Brigham Young University Cougars defeated the University of Utah Utes 22-21 at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City early on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Fans high-five players after the Brigham Young University Cougars defeated the University of Utah Utes 22-21 at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City early on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU running back Sione I Moa (30) takes a selfie with fans after the Brigham Young University Cougars defeated the University of Utah Utes 22-21 at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City early on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU place kicker Will Ferrin (44) kisses his wife, Courtney Ferrin, after the Brigham Young University Cougars defeated the University of Utah Utes 22-21 at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City early on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU wide receiver Keelan Marion (17) shoves Utah Utes cornerback Elijah Davis (9) after the two got into it briefly during a game between the University of Utah Utes and the Brigham Young University Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU running back LJ Martin (27) runs the ball during a game between the University of Utah Utes and the Brigham Young University Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU cornerback Therrian Alexander III (24) gestures to the crowd during a game between the University of Utah Utes and the Brigham Young University Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Fans hold signs during a game between the University of Utah Utes and the Brigham Young University Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU linebacker Isaiah Glasker (16) celebrates after a play during a game between the University of Utah Utes and the Brigham Young University Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU defensive end Isaiah Bagnah (13) celebrates after a play during a game between the University of Utah Utes and the Brigham Young University Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU and Utah Utes players prepare to collide after a snap during a game between the University of Utah Utes and the Brigham Young University Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Fans from both the Utah Utes and BYU commemorate the lives of Ty Jordan and Aaron Lowe during a game between the University of Utah Utes and the Brigham Young University Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) recovers his fumble as he's downed by Utah Utes safety Alaka'i Gilman (11) during a game between the University of Utah Utes and the Brigham Young University Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) visits with Utah Utes wide receiver Diezel Kamoku (16) after the Brigham Young University Cougars defeated the University of Utah Utes 22-21 at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City early on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Utah Utes running back Micah Bernard (2) spins out of contact from BYU safety Tommy Prassas (22) during a game between the University of Utah Utes and the Brigham Young University Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU football head coach Kalani Sitake calls out during a game between the University of Utah Utes and the Brigham Young University Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City early on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) hugs safety Raider Damuni (3) after the Brigham Young University Cougars defeated the University of Utah Utes 22-21 at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City early on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Utah Utes running back Micah Bernard (2) dives for a touchdown against BYU Cougars safety Faletau Satuala (10) at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Utah Utes cornerback Zemaiah Vaughn (5) upends BYU Cougars wide receiver Chase Roberts (2) and the Utes hold on the fourth down play at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Utah Utes quarterback Brandon Rose (8) is face masked by Brigham Young Cougars linebacker Isaiah Glasker (16) at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
A Utah Utes fan holds a sign during a game between the University of Utah Utes and the BYU Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) celebrates after the Cougars intercepted a pass intended for a Utah Utes receiver during a game between the University of Utah Utes and the BYU Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Utah Utes tight end Brant Kuithe (80) makes a touchdown reception while guarded by BYU safety Crew Wakley (7) during a game between the University of Utah Utes and the BYU Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Utah Utes quarterback Brandon Rose (8) looks to pass the ball during a game between the University of Utah Utes and the BYU Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU football head coach Kalani Sitake reacts after a play during a game between the University of Utah Utes and the BYU Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) reacts after a flag was called during a game between the University of Utah Utes and the BYU Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Utah Utes students cheer after a play during a game between the University of Utah Utes and the BYU Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Utah Utes quarterback Brandon Rose (8) runs the ball during a game between the University of Utah Utes and the BYU Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU football head coach Kalani Sitake and Utah Utes football head coach Kyle Whittingham talk before a game between the University of Utah Utes and the BYU Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Utah Utes football head coach Kyle Whittingham reacts to a referee's call during a game between the University of Utah Utes and the BYU Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU running back LJ Martin (27) evades Utah Utes defensive end Van Fillinger (7) during a game between the University of Utah Utes and the BYU Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Isaac Nielsen, of Eagle Mountain, poses with a sign during pregame festivities before a game between the University of Utah Utes and the BYU Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Utah Utes players huddle during pregame at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Fans greet Utah Utes quarterback Isaac Wilson (11) and the Utah Utes upon arrival for the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Utah Utes arrive for the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Fans shoot photos as they greet the Utah Utes players upon arrival for the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
A BYU fan holds up a scarff as the Cougars make their entrance during pregame festivities before a game between the University of Utah Utes and the BYU Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU cornerback Therrian Alexander III (24) signs a football for a young fan as the Cougars make their entrance during pregame festivities before a game between the University of Utah Utes and the BYU Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU players make their entrance during pregame festivities before a game between the University of Utah Utes and the BYU Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
A BYU fan drives along University Boulevard during pregame festivities before a game between the University of Utah Utes and the BYU Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU football head coach Kalani Sitake waves to fans as the Cougars make their entrance during pregame festivities before a game between the University of Utah Utes and the BYU Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU tight end Nason Coleman (49) warms up before a game between the University of Utah Utes and the BYU Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU quarterback Gerry Bohanon (3) warms up before a game between the University of Utah Utes and the BYU Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) warms up before a game between the University of Utah Utes and the BYU Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) warms up before a game between the University of Utah Utes and the BYU Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) warms up before a game between the University of Utah Utes and the BYU Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU cornerbacks coach Jernaro Gilford, right, talks with former Utah Utes football head coach Ron McBride during warmups before a game between the University of Utah Utes and the BYU Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Utah Utes quarterback Brandon Rose (8) warms up during pregame at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
BYU defensive tackle John Taumoepeau (55) stretches as he warms up before a game between the University of Utah Utes and the BYU Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Fans cheer during pregame at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Utah Utes quarterback Isaac Wilson (11) warms up during pregame at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Ben Moa, of Ogden, left, hugs Jerry Togiai, of Rigby, Idaho, during pregame festivities before a game between the University of Utah Utes and the BYU Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Retzlaff got a text from the last BYU quarterback to win at Rice-Eccles, John Beck, on the bus ride to Salt Lake City, and proceeded to ensure that he will be fondly remembered by BYU fans for doing something the likes of Zach Wilson and Taysom Hill couldn't do — win on Utah's home turf.
"Rivalry game, comes down to the end, just like we've seen so many times. Glad we got the other side of this," BYU coach Kalani Sitake said. "I have seen a lot of games where we've been victorious and I have been in a different colored shirt. Happy that our fans were able to get this win and our players got it done."
For Utah fans, the loss will be remembered for the holding penalty on Zemaiah Vaughn on Jojo Phillips that gave BYU new life. Utah athletic director Mark Harlan certainly thought so, saying the game "was absolutely stolen from us" in Utah's postgame news conference.
"In two-minute drill, that first first down is the catalyst. Once we got it, we started rolling and it was fun," said Retzlaff, who completed 15 of 33 passes for 219 yards.
It was his second game-winning drive of the season, having also engineered the last-minute heroics that beat Oklahoma State 38-35 last month.
It was the first game-winner of Ferrin's career, and the third field goal he made in the game because BYU sputtered in the red zone earlier in the contest.
Sitake wasn't about to give this one back, although his 2021 win over the Utes was far more convincing. And he wasn't apologizing for the call that kept the drive alive.
"When I saw the flag, I figured it could be (on Utah)," he said. "We play similar defense. I mean, it is like, you heard Kyle (Whittingham) before — we learned a lot from him and the system that we were able to work with, so we know that it can sometimes can be really handsy. … I don't know what else to say about it.
"That is the game of football. You can't hold people. I didn't see it because I am not watching the whole field, but I will take a look at it. I am sure we will find some other holdings that were there that weren't called. That is just the game sometimes."
And so ended a game that BYU had no business winning after falling behind 21-10 and looking nothing like the country's ninth-best team. Utah outscored BYU 21-7 in the second quarter to seize control and get the boisterous crowd roaring through much of the third quarter.
Credit Jay Hill's defense for figuring it out, and figuring out Utah third-string quarterback Brandon Rose after he was turning the game into his own private Rose Bowl in the first half.
"We prepared for both quarterbacks, but mostly (Isaac) Wilson," said BYU linebacker Isaiah Glasker.
The game started getting away from the Cougars early in the second quarter after Keelan Marion's electrifying 96-yard kickoff return for a touchdown gave BYU a 10-7 lead.
"It was exactly like the Wyoming kickoff return," Marion said, crediting Mason Fakahua for a big block.
After Marion's return, Utah faced a 3rd-and-12 from its 23, but Rose found Dorian Singer down the seam for a 36-yard pickup; BYU's Raider Damuni went for the pick on the play, and just missed.
The Utes finished the 12-play, 75-yard drive that took 7:38 off the clock with a 1-yard touchdown run by tight end Brant Kuithe . He also scored Utah's first touchdown, catching a 20-yard touchdown pass after getting BYU safety Crew Wakley turned around.
BYU's only offensive points in the first half came after the Cougars had driven to the Utah 5. But Ropati's first down run got nothing, and two incomplete passes later Ferrin kicked a 22-yard field goal.
BYU's first possession of the second quarter started with a 22-yard reception by Phillips, the same receiver involved in the controversial play in the waning moments.
The Cougars had a 2nd-and-1 near midfield, then couldn't pick up a single yard the next three plays and turned it over on downs. BYU was 15 of 18 on fourth down in its previous eight games, so Sitake attempting it there is understandable.
Utah took advantage of a big break — Glasker apparently sacked Rose for a big loss, but officials flagged Glasker for a facemask penalty that didn't appear to be legitimate — and quickly went 45 yards to become the first team all season to go up two scores on BYU.
Micah Bernard had left the game in the first quarter, but returned and caught a 7-yard touchdown pass to give the Utes the 21-10 lead. BYU took over with 1:38 left, and was in Utah territory, but another huge mistake — Keanu Hill's holding penalty — temporarily stalled the drive.
Two passes to Parker Kingston got BYU to the Utah 32. Then, out of timeouts, BYU tried to spike the ball to stop the clock and set up another field goal, but center Bruce Mitchell was flagged for a false start and, by rule, a 10-second run-off caused the first-half clock to expire.
"That's on me as a head coach," Sitake told the BYU Sports Radio Network as he left the field.
Sitake also promised that the Cougars "will bounce back from it," with a better second half. He was right, as the Cougars controlled the final 30 minutes and kept Utah off the scoreboard.
Utah outgained BYU 180-151 in the first half, and Rose was 8 of 10 for 87 yards and two TDs for a passer rating of 219.1, while also rushing for 44 yards.
Utah got just 79 yards in the second half, and got way too conservative. The Utes punted from the BYU 40-yard line, for instance.
"We just keep believing in each other. We have doubled down on our culture, trusting and loving each other," Sitake said, when asked if the 9-0 Cougars are a team of destiny.
Added Glasker: "We believe. All these boys, they just believe."
