There are three ingredients that stoke a rivalry — a full house, a dramatic finish and a fiery post-game comment or two. BYU-Utah had all of that and more Saturday night at Rice-Eccles Stadium and as a result, the future of the annual dog fight received an emotional extension.
The 14 years of playing off and on and outside of the same conference took a toll on the rivalry. But as was evident in Saturday’s Big 12 reunion, in front of the largest crowd (54,383) in the history of Rice-Eccles Stadium, everything that had made this game incredible and infuriating before, returned in a tornado of emotion.
Emotional games often trigger emotional responses, which is why players have a cooling-off period before facing the live mics. This year, however, it wasn’t an athlete that produced banter, it was an adult in charge of them.
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“This game was absolutely stolen from us,” said a defiant Utah athletic director Mark Harlan as he spewed his anger toward the officiating crew following BYU’s come-from-behind 22-21 victory . Then, to make sure he was heard correctly, he said it again. “We won this game. Someone else stole it from us.”
The someone else Harlan referred to was the official who flagged Utah’s Zemaiah Vaughn for defensive holding on what appeared to be the Cougars’ final offensive play of the game. As a result, BYU was rewarded with 10 yards and a first down — which is the cost of that infraction.
The Cougars proceeded to hit on plays of 30, 12 and 14 yards, slicing right through what had been a stubborn Utah defense. With time winding down, Will Ferrin ran onto the field and kicked a 44-yard field goal with four seconds remaining to win the game.
That’s a lot to put on a game official, whose holding call is supported by every camera angle (or phone) that was on in the stadium. Granted, there was a lot of pulling, pushing and holding by both teams throughout the game, including an errant face mask call against BYU that led to a Utah touchdown in the first half, but the timing of Vaughn’s penalty pushed Harlan to the brink.
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 However, to borrow from Harlan’s “stolen” declaration, shoplifting is still shoplifting, no matter if you are caught stealing at noon or five minutes before the store closes. In football, a penalty is a penalty no matter when it happens in the game.
Time will reveal what Saturday will mean for Utah’s top athletic administrator. He has already been reprimanded and fined by the Big 12. But one thing is for certain, just as there isn’t any video evidence to prove the call was a mistake, there is plenty of footage that will place Harlan’s postgame rant into the rivalry’s Hall of Shame for years to come.
Max Hall, Tyler Huntley, and others — step aside. There is a new instigator on the stage.
For most of the first half, the Utes were nearly flawless, and their followers were ecstatic. Even with a quarterback making his first start, they looked like the team that was expected to win the Big 12 and they were overwhelming the squad currently unbeaten and sitting alone in first place.
After some halftime adjustments, BYU (9-0, 6-0) flipped the script and outscored Utah 12-0 to win the game in Salt Lake City for the first time since 2006.
Understandably, Harlan’s reaction was triggered by the holding call and officiating in general, it could have easily reflected Utah’s season. As Ferrin’s field goal sailed through the uprights, the Utes were handed their fifth-straight defeat (4-5, 1-5) and slipped into 15th place in the Big 12 — that’s enough to make anyone mad.
In a rivalry where boys can elevate to play like men, including Utah’s defensive line and BYU’s kicker, it also can turn men into boys and sometimes they act like one. Head coach Kyle Whittingham slammed a chair to the ground as he was leaving the podium following his news conference. He too was upset, but he didn’t go so far as to declare “the game was stolen.”
For two schools who launched a campaign to encourage fans to “Rival Right” they watched a tremendous, improbable battle right up to the final second — and then they watched an administrator take a hard left and add the kind of fuel to an already-heated rivalry that could only come from the words — “The game was absolutely stolen from us.”
It’s a shame Utah used all their timeouts during the game, because Harlan could have really used one before sitting down at the microphone and adding more fuel to a fire that already burns deep — and will continue next November in Provo.
BYU head coach Kalani Sitake and Utah 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 Dave McCann is a sportswriter and columnist for the Deseret News and is a play-by-play announcer and show host for BYUtv/ESPN+. He co-hosts “Y’s Guys” at ysguys.com and is the author of the children’s book “C is for Cougar,” available at deseretbook.com .