The thrilling showdown between the BYU Cougars and the Utah Utes, two fierce rivals, unfolded on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at the iconic Rice-Eccles Stadium. The game, often referred to as the "Holy War," was marked by intense competition and significant stakes, as both teams sought to secure valuable wins within the Big 12 Conference. The ninth-ranked Cougars faced off against the Utes, who were desperate to improve their standing as they entered the match with mixed results.
After trailing 21-10 at halftime, the Cougars staged a sensational comeback, culminating with Will Ferrin kicking the game-winning field goal from 44 yards out with just four seconds left on the clock. This nail-biting conclusion kept BYU's undefeated season alive, bringing their record to 9-0 and 6-0 within the Big 12. The game was attended by 54,383 fans, the largest crowd ever at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
From the outset, the Utes seemed to control the tempo, but the Cougars refused to back down. Key plays on offense included BYU’s towering quarterback, Jake Retzlaff, who guided them through two decisive drives late in the game. Initially, the excitement escalated as Utah took charge, showcasing their offense with effective runs and significant passes. Micah Bernard, Utah’s running back, found gaps and broke tackles, providing his team with momentum and a lead.
BYU, known for its high-powered offense, struggled early on to find its rhythm. Yet, they remained focused, leading to some pivotal plays facilitated by Retzlaff. A dramatic fourth-quarter push came after BYU's defense forced the Utes to surrender possession. Following this shift, the Cougars responded with clarity, highlighting depth and resilience.
“We just kept pushing forward,” said Retzlaff after the game. “At no point did we think about giving up. The support from our fans and my teammates really pushed me to keep going.”
Though BYU’s drive stumbled momentarily after reaching the Utah one-yard line, it was a defensive holding penalty on the Utes during fourth down, which kept the drive alive. This controversial call sparked intense debates on social media, with many citing it as pivotal for the game's outcome.
Mark Harlan, the athletics director for Utah, expressed outrage at this officiation after the game. “This game was absolutely stolen from us,” Harlan asserted, visibly frustrated, “We were excited about being part of the Big 12, but tonight, I am not. Someone else stole it from us.” His comments echoed the sentiments of many Utes fans who felt the officiation played a hand in the tense final moments of the game.
The game had started relatively evenly, with both teams exchanging drives. The Utes took the early lead, thanks to strong plays from their players. An impressive first half from Utah saw them turn defensive turnovers and momentum swings to their advantage. Their leading performances set the tone going forward. The first two quarters saw them capitalize on every error BYU made, leaving the Cougars to question their defensive strategies. Yet, as much as hope surged for Utes fans, the second half told another story.
The rhythm shifted dramatically, with BYU making remarkable adjustments through coach Kalani Sitake's strategic insights. The Cougars' offense began to find openings, primarily through effective passing plays and bolstered ground efforts from their dynamic duo of running backs, LJ Martin and Hinckley Ropati. Their efforts mixed with Retzlaff’s agility set the stage for significant yard gains.
With less than two minutes remaining on the clock, BYU was desperate to close the gap. A drive of 95 yards culminated when the Cougars finally scored on the ground to shrink the gap to just two points, but what followed put them on the back foot again. An attempted two-point conversion failed to convert, causing the score to stand at 21-19. The drive was anchored by grueling runs and sharp passes, showcasing what BYU football prides itself on—relentless grit and determination.
Prior to the game, the Cougars were ranked high not just within the nation but had become leading contenders within the Big 12. Their captivation of fans across the country reflected well on their performances this season. Their ability to come back from setbacks seemed to highlight their potential as championship contenders. The previous wins against perennial tough teams amplified this sentiment, and the buildup surrounding the Holy War added to the stakes considerably.
Meanwhile, Utah, having dominated this rivalry over the last decade, led to much anticipation as they faced BYU with aspirations to maintain their streak. Unfortunately for the Utes, this loss transformed their hopes. Their record dropped to 4-5 overall with 1-5 within the conference, casting doubts about their playoff hopes.
Post-game analysis showed how the Cougars outperformed the Utes, particularly during the second half. Coach Sitake complemented his team’s resolve, mentioning their ability to adapt under pressure and strategize effectively when it mattered most. “Whatever decision the refs make, I don’t think they’re trying to get it wrong, so that's just part of the game,” he said after the intense match.
This game undoubtedly will go down as one of the most thrilling moments of this season, and it continues to shape the narratives surrounding both programs. BYU's resilience has left them undefeated, and their next challenge is on the horizon as they aim firmly within playoff conversations. Conversely, Utah's must reevaluate their strategies going forward if they hope to become contenders once more. Both teams, rich with talent and passionate fan bases, will surely have thrilling future clashes, with many fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter of this storied rivalry.