Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — In regular rivalry game fashion, the game was not certain until the final play of the game, with Utah getting a 20-13 victory for their fourth consecutive win over BYU.
"All the momentum following the Texas walloping has come to a halt for BYU," tweeted David Cordero. "Utah, not surprisingly, figured out BYU's offense."
The game was in control for Utah for most of the game after an early 13-0 lead. Both teams battled it out in the trenches, with Utah leading the Cougars 20-6 in the fourth quarter.
In a desperation drive for points by the Cougars in the fourth quarter, an incomplete pass from Taysom Hill had things looking grim. But an unsportsmanlike penalty by Utah's Eric Rowe kept the drive alive for BYU, giving them the opportunity to score a touchdown to make it a one-score game.
"Utes what a dumb penalty," tweeted Matt Malde about Rowe's penalty. "If I was coach I would bench him."
"Rowe will go down as a major goat if that penalty sparks a BYU comeback here," tweeted the Associated Press's John Coon.
Related:
Utah wins fourth straight over BYU 20-13
Strong defense has been a trademark of many past Utah teams. After a shaky performance in a loss to Oregon State, the Utes had legitimate questions on if their defense had finally lost a step.Others, however, had a little more sympathy for Rowe, who made a poor decision late in the game.
"People beating up on Rowe for that penalty, there has been jawing on both sides all night," tweeted TR. "Refs inconsistent."
The Utes ultimately prevailed after a late interception and a drive stalled by Utah's defense, giving the Utes bragging rights through the next few years.
"WELP. I'm glad I won't live in Utah over the next three years," tweeted Steve Pierce. "The Utes will be unsufferable — and justifiably so. They own us."
"Kyle Whittingham has Broncos number and has had it since they became head coach!!" @Isi_Fiefia tweeted. "Utes coaching staff on point."
Kyle Whittingham has Broncos number and has had it since they became head coach!! Utes coaching staff on point.
–@Isi_Fiefia
Utah jumped out to an early lead with the help of quarterback Travis Wilson and receiver Dres Anderson making big plays. In the second quarter, Wilson found Anderson for a 74-yard catch, which put the Utes on the 1 yard line. Wilson then found receiver Anthony Denham for a quick touchdown.
"Dres Anderson, ladies and gentlemen. #wheels," Nick Nerbonne tweeted.
"74 yard run," Jarren Montoya tweeted. "They don't call them running utes for nothing."
For much of the game, BYU fans were frustrated by the inconsistencies on offense, with quarterback Taysom Hill's inaccuracy in the passing game and the Cougars' inability to convert in the red zone.
"Hey BYU, Steve Young is not walking through that door," tweeted Kam Wall.
"BYU has a better team, but Utah has the better QB and play calling," @JoeyJazzFan tweeted. "That shows you what is really important in football."
"BYU has nearly 400 yards," tweeted @LoyalCougars. "BYU has 17 downs. BYU has 6 points."
