BYU falls to Utah for 8th straight time: 'We let it slip through our hands'

Published: Nov 25, 2018, 1:36 a.m. MST

Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Zach Wilson (11) is sacked by Utah Utes defensive tackle Leki Fotu (99) as BYU and Utah play at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. Utah won 35-27. — Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Zach Wilson (11) is sacked by Utah Utes defensive tackle Leki Fotu (99) as BYU and Utah play at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. Utah won 35-27. Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

SALT LAKE CITY — Eight is too much.

That’s how BYU is feeling after squandering a 27-7 lead against Utah late in the third quarter Saturday night at Rice-Eccles Stadium and falling to the Utes by eight points — 35-27 — marking the Cougars’ eighth consecutive loss in the rivalry game.

“It hurts,” said BYU coach Kalani Sitake. “It’s supposed to hurt so you can remember it.”

The Cougars won’t have to wait too long for another shot at Utah, who will visit Provo next August in the season-opener for both teams.

No doubt, Saturday’s outcome will sting for a long time.

BYU (6-6) jumped out to a fast start and dominated the first half, taking a 20-0 lead into intermission. But in the second half, the Utes outscored BYU, 35-7.

“We let it slip through our hands,” said tight end Matt Bushman. “It leaves a bad taste in our mouths.”

The Cougars’ collapse began early in the third quarter when Julian Blackmon intercepted BYU freshman quarterback Zach Wilson for a 27-yard pick-six that got the Utes on the scoreboard.

That marked Utah’s fourth pick-six against the Cougars in the last three rivalry games.

Two BYU defensive starters, Corbin Kaufusi and Isaiah Kaufusi, both suffered injuries in the third quarter and didn’t return. And their absence certainly hurt the Cougars.

BYU running back Matt Hadley ran 21 times for 69 yards and two touchdowns. but he, too, went down with an injury in the second half.

Meanwhile, Utah got its run game going and it scored three touchdowns in the final quarter.

The Utes piled up 131 of their 296 total yards in the fourth quarter. BYU gained just 110 yards in the second half.

“We knew they were going to try to establish the run,” Sitake said. “But you can’t have a pick-six. … We knew this is a team that was going to make a comeback. But we just needed to find a way to end it, and we couldn’t do that.”

Wilson showed tremendous poise playing in his first rivalry game. He completed 20 of 29 passes for 204 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. He ran 14 times for 91 yards and was sacked three times.

BYU, which has struggled all year with slow starts, got the first break of the game, recovering a muffed punt. Five plays later, the Cougars cashed in with a 10-yard touchdown pass from Wilson to Neil Pau’u.

While BYU’s defense was forcing three straight three-and-outs, the Cougars scored another TD on a 26-yard pass from Wilson to Bushman.

BYU continued to make big plays, from Isaiah Kaufusi’s pass breakup on a long pass to Khyiris Tonga blocking a 54-yard field goal attempt by Matt Gay.

After that block, the Cougars embarked on a 14-play, 64-yard drive that chewed 6:22 off the clock. The drive included a nifty scramble on third-and-10 for a 12-yard first-down run by Wilson and Wilson’s 24-yard strike to Dallin Holker to the Utah 1-yard line.

With 25 seconds left in the half, Hadley scored on a 1-yard touchdown plunge to give BYU a 20-0 lead at intermission.

The Cougars outgained the Utes at halftime, 247 yards to 49 yards.

Utah Utes offensive lineman Jordan Agasiva (79) and teammates celebrate and flash the number eight, indicating their eighth straight victory against Brigham Young Cougars, after their 35-27 win at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

Utah Utes running back Armand Shyne (6) and offensive lineman Paul Toala (65) celebrate after their 35-27 win over the Brigham Young Cougars at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

Utah Utes quarterback Jason Shelley (15) is greeted by fans after his team's 35-27 win over the Brigham Young Cougars at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

Utah Utes running back Armand Shyne (6) celebrates after running the ball for a touchdown, bringing Utah to within six points of Brigham Young Cougars after the PAT, at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

Utah Utes running back Armand Shyne (6) gets past Brigham Young Cougars defensive back Dayan Ghanwoloku (5) to run the ball in for the go-ahead touchdown, putting Utah up 28-27 over the Brigham Young Cougars at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

Utah Utes fans cheer as their team takes a 28-27 lead over the Brigham Young Cougars at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

Utah Utes running back Armand Shyne (6) runs the ball for the go-ahead touchdown, putting Utah up 28-27 over the Brigham Young Cougars at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

Utah Utes fans cheer as they take the lead over the Brigham Young Cougars at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

Utah Utes linebacker Cody Barton (30) breaks up a pass intended for Brigham Young Cougars tight end Dallin Holker (32) during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

Utah Utes quarterback Jason Shelley (15) hands the ball off to running back Armand Shyne (6) during the game against the Brigham Young Cougars at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

Utah Utes running back Armand Shyne (6) and offensive lineman Jackson Barton (70) celebrate after Shyne ran the ball for a touchdown, bringing Utah to within six points of Brigham Young Cougars after the PAT, at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars fans watch as the Utah Utes take the lead during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars defensive back Dayan Ghanwoloku (5) tackles Utah Utes running back TJ Green (4) during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

Utah Utes linebacker Chris Hart (8) and wide receiver Siaosi Mariner (8) take the field before the game against the Brigham Young Cougars at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

Utah Utes offensive lineman Lo Falemaka (69) warms up with teammates before the game against the Brigham Young Cougars at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars tight end Matt Bushman (89) and teammates warm up before the game against the Utah Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

Utah Utes running back TJ Green (4) makes a reception during the game against the Brigham Young Cougars at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars tight end Matt Bushman (89) falls into the end zone after making a reception ahead of Utah Utes defensive back Corrion Ballard (15), putting the Cougars up 13-0 after the PAT, during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Aleva Hifo (15) celebrates after running back Matt Hadley (2) ran for a touchdown, putting the Cougars up 20-0 over the Utah Utes during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

Utah Utes quarterback Jason Shelley (15) passes under pressure during the game against the Brigham Young Cougars at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

Utah Utes wide receiver Solomon Enis (21) makes a reception over Brigham Young Cougars defensive back Keenan Ellis (30) during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Zach Wilson (11) gets the first down on a keeper during the game against the Brigham Young Cougars at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars running back Matt Hadley (2) and teammates celebrate after Hadley ran for a touchdown, putting the Cougars up 27-7 over the Utah Utes after the PAT, during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars running back Matt Hadley (2) runs the ball in for a touchdown, putting the Cougars up 27-7 over the Utah Utes after the PAT, during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

Utah players light the U as they defeat BYU at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018. Utah won 35-27. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham and Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake hug at the end of the game as Utah defeats BYU at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018. Utah won 35-27. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

BYU players run onto the field as BYU and Utah play at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake walks onto the field as BYU and Utah play at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Zach Wilson (11) Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Tanner Mangum (12) run onto the field as BYU and Utah play at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

BYU and Utah play at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

The Utah Band warms up in the tunnel prior to kickoff as BYU and Utah play at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Sharrieff Shah, Cornerbacks, Co-Special Teams Coordinator works with Utah Utes wide receiver Derrick Vickers (17) prior to kickoff as BYU and Utah play at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

A Utah fan cheers as players come onto the field as BYU and Utah play at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Utah Utes quarterback Jason Shelley (15) warms up prior to kickoff as BYU and Utah play at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Zach Wilson (11) gets warmed up prior to kickoff as BYU and Utah play at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Fans cheer prior to kickoff as BYU and Utah play at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Sam and Miranda Evans laugh as they talk prior to kickoff as BYU and Utah play at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Zach Wilson (11) makes a pass as BYU and Utah play at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Utah Utes wide receiver Jaylen Dixon (25) can't make the catch with Brigham Young Cougars linebacker Isaiah Kaufusi (53) defending BYU and Utah play at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Utah fans cheer as BYU and Utah play at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Neil Pau'u (84) makes a catch going out of the end zone for a score as BYU and Utah play at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars defensive back Dayan Ghanwoloku (5) comes up with the ball on a muffed punt as BYU and Utah play at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars tight end Dallin Holker (32) and Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Neil Pau'u (84) celebrate after Pau'u's touch down as BYU and Utah play at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham watches as BYU scores a touchdown as BYU and Utah play at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

A Utah fan looks out at the field as BYU and Utah play at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

A Utah fan watches as BYU scores as BYU and Utah play at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars linebacker Isaiah Kaufusi (53) brings down Utah Utes wide receiver Jaylen Dixon (25) as BYU and Utah play at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake celebrates as BYU and Utah play at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Utah Utes defensive end Maxs Tupai (92) runs down Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Aleva Hifo (15) as BYU and Utah play at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars tight end Matt Bushman (89) falls to the turf as the ball pops into the air BYU and Utah play at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Zach Wilson (11) is sacked by Utah Utes defensive tackle Pita Tonga (49) as BYU and Utah play at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Utah Utes defensive tackle Pita Tonga (49) celebrates a sack as BYU and Utah play at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Utah Utes quarterback Jason Shelley (15) jumps over a cougar defender as BYU and Utah play at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Utah Utes running back TJ Green (4) dives forward as BYU and Utah play at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Utah Utes quarterback Jason Shelley (15) looks for space to run as BYU and Utah play at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Utah Utes quarterback Jason Shelley (15) falls to the ground as Brigham Young Cougars defensive lineman Corbin Kaufusi (90) and Brigham Young Cougars linebacker Sione Takitaki (16) rush in as BYU and Utah play at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Utah Utes tight end Cole Fotheringham (89) jumps over a defender as BYU and Utah play at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake and the BYU sideline celebrate as BYU and Utah play at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Utah Utes linebacker Chase Hansen (22) brings down Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Micah Simon (13) BYU and Utah play at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Utah fans cheer during a 3rd down as BYU and Utah play at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars tight end Matt Bushman (89) reaches out and makes the catch over Utah Utes linebacker Cody Barton (30) as BYU and Utah play at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars running back Matt Hadley (2) is brought down by Utah Utes defensive end Mika Tafua (42) as BYU and Utah play at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Utah Utes quarterback Jason Shelley (15) dives forward as BYU and Utah play at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars running back Matt Hadley (2) runs into the end zone for a score as BYU and Utah play at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Utah Utes linebacker Cody Barton (30) and Utah Utes defensive back Julian Blackmon (23) gang up to stop Brigham Young Cougars running back Matt Hadley (2) at the goal line as BYU and Utah play at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Utah Utes wide receiver Samson Nacua (45) celebrates a touchdown as BYU and Utah play at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Utah Utes fullback Ali'i Niumatalolo (40) celebrates as Utah defeats BYU at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018. Utah won 35-27. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

BYU and Utah play at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018. Utah won 35-27. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Utah Utes defensive back Philip Afia (2) celebrates as the Utes defeat BYU at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018. Utah won 35-27. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Utah Utes offensive lineman Jackson Barton (70) yells as the game comes down to the end as BYU and Utah play at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018. Utah won 35-27. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham and Utah Utes wide receiver Britain Covey (18) talk in the fourth quarter as BYU and Utah play at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018. Utah won 35-27. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham walks the sideline as BYU and Utah play at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018. Utah won 35-27. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham walks to mid field as the Utes defeat BYU at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018. Utah won 35-27. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Utah Utes wide receiver Demari Simpkins (7) makes a diving catch with Brigham Young Cougars defensive back Michael Shelton (18) defending as BYU and Utah play at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018. Utah won 35-27. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Zach Wilson (11) pitches the ball as the rush movies in on him as BYU and Utah play at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018. Utah won 35-27. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Utah players celebrate a sack as BYU and Utah play at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. Utah won 35-27. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Utah fans cheer as BYU and Utah play at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. Utah won 35-27. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham talks into his headset as BYU and Utah play at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. Utah won 35-27. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

But, in the second half, Utah took control of the game.

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“Utah made some great plays to flip the momentum,” said BYU wide receiver Micah Simon. “I just wish we could have come out on top.”

The Cougars are bowl-eligible but are waiting to find out about a postseason destination.

In the meantime, BYU will have to live with the reality of having lost an eighth-straight game to its archrivals.

“This one really hurt but I’m proud of how our guys played,” Sitake said. “We couldn’t finish the deal. We made too many mistakes. You can’t do that against a great team like Utah.”

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