The Utah Utes and BYU Cougars battled it out in an intense “Holy War” matchup that came down to the final seconds, and fans from both teams were excited about the exciting 22-21 game. Utah’s narrow loss to 9th-ranked BYU resulted in dramatic shifts, standout plays, and late-game controversy that would continue. Despite a valiant effort by Utah to end their losing streak, the Utes came up short, suffering their fifth straight loss after a strong 4-0 start to the season.

After a slow start on both offenses, BYU took the lead in the first quarter with a 23-yard field goal by Will Ferrin. But the Utes responded with an impressive push early in the second quarter, led by freshman quarterback Brandon Rose. first career start. Rose’s touchdown pass from 20 yards to tight end Brant Kuithe showed his potential and gave Utah a 7-3 lead. But BYU responded quickly, with Keelan Marion electrifying the fans with a 96-yard kickoff return to take back the lead by the score of 10-7.

Undeterred, Rose continued to run Utah’s offense effectively. He found Kuithe again on a carefully balanced 12-play drive, this time for a 1-yard rushing touchdown that gave Utah a 14-10 lead. Utah’s offense got going as Rose connected with running back Micah Bernard. 7 yard passIt gave the Utes a promising 21-10 halftime advantage. Utah’s halftime lead reflected the team’s renewed offensive energy, due in large part to Rose’s maturity and connection with Kuithe. However, Kuithe’s exit in the third quarter due to injury It was a turning point that forced Utah to lean heavily on its defense.

Utah’s defense remained strong, limiting BYU to nine points in the second half until the final moments. Then controversy arose in the final minutes when it appeared that Utes defensive tackle Junior Tafuna had secured the win by sacking BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff on fourth down. But a holding penalty on Utah nullified the play and extended BYU’s drive. BYU took advantage of the opportunity and Ferrin kicked a field goal from 44 yards with just four seconds remaining to put Utah behind 22-21.

Utah’s last-ditch lateral attempt on the ensuing kickoff failed, sealing their heartbreaking loss. Head coach Kyle Whittingham was visibly upset as he argued with the referees after the game over the crucial penalty call.

Rose finished 12-of-21 for 112 yards and two touchdowns. He tried to keep up with Retzlaff, who threw for 219 yards. Bernard was a bright spot on offense with 17 carries for 78 yards and passed 2,000 career rushing yards. Rose was hot in the second quarter but then faltered offensively. The Utes have lost five straight but have never lost more than 13 points.

Utah will now try to rebound when faced with trouble strong Colorado teamLed by Deion Sanders, the team hopes to reverse its course in the season. This close win for BYU leaves question marks as they continue to advance in the Big 12.