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PROVO — The Utah vs. BYU rivalry has always been a hard fought battle that usually ends up going right down to the wire. It is only fitting that the 2013 edition fit that bill perfectly.
The Utah Utes (3-1) outlasted the BYU Cougars (1-2) 20-13 in a game that neither team seemed ready to take control of.
The play calling for the Utes was suspect at times, leading to seven three and outs by the Utes offense. In addition, the Utes were an abysmal 1-14 on third downs.
Yet at other times Travis Wilson looked terrific — on one drive he was a perfect 7-7 for 53 yards that ended with a touchdown toss to RB Karl Williams.
How in the world did the Utes win? Here are my instant observations:
- Travis Wilson has continued to perform at a high level. He may not be throwing for 300 yards and 5 TDs a game, but he has become the leader of this Utah offense. Wilson wasn't able to get it done on the ground tonight, but he did through the air, throwing for 273 yards on 24-35 passing with two touchdowns.
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- Dres Anderson has the big play potential every time you get him the football. Anderson led the Utes last season in receiving with 365 total yards. He's already surpassed that this season just four games in. Anderson finished with eight catches for 141 yards, including a highlight reel 74 yard catch and run that set up the Utes first touchdown of the game.
- Utah's defense is great against the run, not against the pass. The Utes gave up 260 yards through the air to a quarterback that completed under 40% of his passes. Granted, they were in a soft zone most of the game, but were it not for a couple of drops by BYU receivers and this game might have needed an overtime period. In contrast, the run defense was executed about as well as you could hope for. The Cougars were held to just 3.9 yards per carry.
- Rivalry domination. Leading into this game, 13 of the last 16 matchups were decided by seven points or less. Tonight was no exception - update it 14 of 17. The Utes have now won four straight, five of last six and nine of last 12 against the Cougars. In addition, it was a must win for the Utes to have a shot at returning to a bowl game this season, and the Utes did just enough to move one step closer.
