No. 3 Utah outlasted No. 9 BYU 28-20, overcoming a halftime deficit to end a three-game losing streak in the Holy War rivalry and likely clinch a spot in the College Football Playoff.
BYU still had a chance to tie the game after getting the ball back near midfield by eight points; however, quarterback Bear Bachmeier sniffed two passes before the sticks, essentially draining all the clock. Then he threw a pass toward the end zone that was recovered, his fourth interception of the day.
The Utes came out blazing, scoring on their first two drives to take a 14-0 lead. However, BYU scored 20 unanswered points, including a breakaway touchdown pass from Bachmeier to Legend Glasker for 75 yards.
But after the deficit, Utah quarterback Devon Dampier went to work. He helped create and extend drives with his legs, including several critical runs on third downs. Dampier scored a third touchdown to extend the lead to eight points late in the fourth quarter.
BYU again drove the length of the field, but Bachmeier threw an interception in the end zone to Utah linebacker Trey Reynolds to end the Cougars’ chances. Bachmeier was productive with 263 passing yards, 59 rushing yards and a touchdown, but his four interceptions proved costly in a rivalry game loss.
Dampier was responsible for 47 of Utah’s 62 plays, throwing for 177 yards, rushing for 87 yards and even catching a 29-yard pass. The senior scored all four touchdowns as Utah beat BYU for the first time since joining the Big 12. Wide receiver Braden Pegan led the way with 86 yards and the two touchdown receptions.
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