36. 9/11/21 - BYU ends 9 game skid with win over #21 Utah: BYU - 26, Utah - 17

             When the BYU Cougars (1-0) hosted the #21 Utah Utes (1-0) for their home opener, more lay on the line than bragging rights for the next year; for Cougar Nation, a victory was essential to maintain a healthy psych. During their first century of existence, the Cougars had played the Utes 94 times - more than any other program. Utah held a 59-31-4 all-time series lead, and had dominated the rivalry in the early years. When LaVell Edwards took over the program in 1972, the Cougars became the Alpha program during the 70’s and 80’s. However, during the 1990’s and the first decade of the 21st century, the rivalry became one of the most competitive rivalries in the NCAA. Unfortunately, when the Utes left for the PAC-12, and the Cougars became independent, the rivalry took a turn for the worse. Although most of the competitions were close, the Utes strung together 9 straight wins. Neither team had ever won ten games in a row against the other, and these Cougars were determined not to let that happen on their watch.

            Defense ruled the roost in the first quarter. After going three-and-out on their first possession, the Cougars got the ball back when the defense blitzed, forcing a rushed throw by QB Charlie Brewer, which was picked off by DB Chaz Ah You and returned to the Ute 30. Unfortunately, the Offense was driven backward and were obliged to punt on fourth-and-24. Utah, started on its own 2, and managed to drive to the 42 before fumbling the ball back to the Cougars. With another short field, the Cougars needed to put points on the board. They drove inside the Blue Zone, where Jacob Oldroyd booted a 37-yard FG, giving BYU a 3-0 lead after one quarter.

            As the second quarter began, the Cougars were driving. On fourth-and-11, at the Ute 36, QB Jaren Hall kept the drive alive when he salvaged a broken play by scrambling for 18 yards to enter the Blue Zone. After they reached the Ute 4, Hall broke left and connected with Neil Pau’u at the goal line. Pau’u caught the ball then reached out to break the plane as he sailed by the pylon for a touchdown. This time the Utes responded by driving 80 yards, scoring on a 20-yard TD pass from Charlie Brewer to Brant Kuithe. Utah threatened to score again on their next drive, but the Cougar D stopped them on a fourth-and-2 attempt that reached the Cougar 7 before being snuffed out. With 3:14 remaining in the half, Hall directed a long drive into Ute territory. With the clock winding down, Hall scrambled out of trouble and heaved a long pass to a wide open Keanu Hill for a 33-yard gain to the Ute 2. With 4 ticks remaining, Hall tossed the ball to Samson Nacua, who extended the Cougar lead to 16-7 at the half despite the failed extra point attempt.

Jaron Hall vs. Utah
Courtesy of BYU Photo

            Late in the third quarter, Utah ended a drive with a 49-yard FGA that went wide right. BYU responded with another long scoring drive that featured several designed runs by Hall and RB Tyler Allgeier. After reaching the Ute 4, Hall pulled up to pass, spotting Gunner Romney in the back of the end zone, and hitting him with a sharp throw to give the Cougs a 23-7 lead through three quarters.

            In the fourth, Utah made things interesting with two straight scoring drives. The first ended with a 47-yard FG by Jadon Redding. The second was highlighted by a 22-yard TD rush by Micah Bernard, who powered through 3 failed tackles en route to the end zone. Clinging to a 6-point lead, Hall broke free for what appeared to be a 66-yard TD run; but the run was shortened considerably when the officials determined that he stepped out of bounds. Still, the 12-play, 71-yard drive culminated with a 21-yard FG by Oldroyd with 3:17 remaining. Although that was plenty of time, at least Cougar fans could breathe easier with the knowledge that the score (26-17) was back to a 2-possession lead. The Utes made it into Cougar territory on the ensuing drive, but turned the ball over on downs. The Cougars were able to run out the clock, finally putting the kibosh on the losing streak.

The Beehive Boot
Awarded to the Best DI team in Utah

Following the win, the Cougars jumped into the AP poll at #23. They would rise as high as #10, and finish the season with an impressive 10-3 record and a #19 ranking. Not only was the victory BYU’s first win over Utes since they joined PAC-12, it was also Coach Sitake’s first win over Utes. In addition to beating Utah, the Cougars also beat Utah State 34-20 to win the coveted Beehive Boot for a record 2rd time, but for the first time since 2009. The award was created in 1971 to recognize the best Division I football team within the state of Utah at a time when the three universities played each other annually. With Utah’s entrance into the PAC-12, it was increasingly harder to schedule games with its two in-state rivals and the award almost went the way of the dodo bird (with 4 straight years without a winner), but the Cougars’ victory over both teams in 2021 sparked renewed interest in the trophy, which has been won by the Cougars 23 times, the Utes 15 times and the Aggies 9 times.

 Game highlights link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VWc42wvCE0