3 takeaways from No. 9 BYU’s rally past Utah to keep the Cougars unbeaten

There was controversy and memorable moments galore in the latest rivalry matchup

Published: Nov 10, 2024, 1:18 a.m. MST

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

Brandon covers sports for the Deseret News, with an emphasis on the University of Utah and the NFL.

There were plenty of thrills — and controversy — in the latest rendition of the BYU-Utah rivalry Saturday night.

The undefeated Cougars, who trailed 21-10 at halftime, rallied to win on a 44-yard Will Ferrin field goal with four seconds to play.

The moments before that won’t soon be forgotten in this rivalry, though.

Here are three takeaways from a game that kept BYU unbeaten at 9-0 while extending the Utes’ losing streak to five games.

Highlights, key plays and photos from No. 9 BYU’s come-from-behind win over Utah

Utah athletic director Mark Harlan shares frustration with officiating in BYU game, says it was ‘absolutely stolen from us’

BYU’s final drive is what we’ll be talking about

The Cougars took over at their own 9 trailing 21-19 with 1:56 remaining, and with one timeout.

The drama built up well before Ferrin’s game-winner, though.

BYU started the drive with three straight incompletions, and it appeared quarterback Jake Retzlaff had thrown an incompletion on fourth down — though officials ruled that the Cougars had called a timeout before the play.

Then on the actual fourth down play, Retzlaff was sacked by Junior Tafuna and Karene Reid at the BYU 1 — though a flag was thrown.

Utah’s Zemaiah Vaughn was called for a holding penalty, and that gave BYU a first down at its own 19 — and new life.

The Cougars took advantage, with Chase Roberts (a 30-yard catch that was reviewed before standing), Darius Lassiter (12-yard reception) and Hinckley Ropati (14-yard run) getting BYU into field goal position with three straight chunk plays.

The final stats called it an 11-play, 65-yard drive that culminated in the game-winning field goal, but there’s more drama and emotion tied to a drive that will live in rivalry lore.

It sparked Utah athletic director Mark Harlan to say the game was “absolutely stolen from us,” while Utah coach Kyle Whittingham, when asked about the officiating, said, “It’s a ridiculous situation. I’m not going to get into it.”

Utah’s defense came up big in critical moments … just not the last one

For most of the night, Utah kept BYU in check offensively.

The Cougars, who had 339 yards of total offense, didn’t score an offensive touchdown until the fourth quarter, and they were 1 of 12 on third downs.

Even when Utah did give up some earlier drives that reached the red zone in the first and third quarters, the Utes forced BYU into field goals both times.

Cameron Calhoun also intercepted a two-point attempt in the fourth quarter that could have tied the game.

Make no mistake, it’s a tough loss for the Utes, and Utah — after initially looking like it had made the final stop, only to have that wiped out by a penalty — still gave up a game-winning drive.

For much of the night, though, the Utes confused and hurried Retzlaff, as he completed 15 of 33 passes for 219 yards.

Utah’s defense kept it in the game, but little mistakes were just enough to sink the Utes in the end.

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) 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

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 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

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 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

There were learning moments for both teams

BYU, which stayed atop the Big 12 standings and moved to 6-0 in league action, played an overall ugly game, though the Cougars can hang their hat on being able to rally in the second half.

After the Utes scored three touchdowns in the second quarter, BYU held them scoreless in the second half while forcing them into five punts. For Utah (4-5, 1-5 Big 12), this ended up being its highest-scoring game during its five-game losing streak — and it just wasn’t enough.

Brandon Rose, making his first career start, overcame a slow start, threw for 87 yards and two touchdowns in the second quarter and also showed the ability to pick up yards on the ground.

Unfortunately, that second-quarter effectiveness didn’t carry over to the second half — the Utes’ longest drive in the second half gained 36 yards, as the unit more resembled the stumbling offense that has defined the past month-plus.

Rose finished the game completing 12 of 21 passes for two touchdowns and one interception, while rushing for 55 yards.

Comments

Both teams also had penalty issues — BYU finished with 10 for 69 yards, while Utah had 10 for 90.

A false start in the final 10 seconds of the first half on BYU caused a 10-second runoff, and with the Cougars out of timeouts, they squandered away a chance to potentially kick a field goal before the half.

Utah’s toughest penalty issues came in the fourth quarter, headlined by the holding penalty on the final drive that kept BYU’s hopes alive.

There are things to improve upon for both teams — and plenty of emotions as they head into the final three weeks of the regular season.

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