BYU Defeats Utah for Third Consecutive Holy War Victory

Bassyonni

ago 4 hours

BYU Defeats Utah for Third Consecutive Holy War Victory

In a thrilling matchup, No. 15 BYU emerged victorious against No. 23 Utah with a score of 24-21. This win marks BYU’s third consecutive victory in the Holy War rivalry. The game took place in Provo, Utah, with Bear Bachmeier leading the Cougars with 229 yards of total offense, including one passing touchdown and one rushing touchdown.

Key Performers

LJ Martin significantly contributed to the Cougars’ success, rushing for 122 yards, which helped BYU maintain its unbeaten status at 7-0 overall and 4-0 within the Big 12 Conference.

This victory is particularly significant for BYU, as it marks the first time since 1992 that the Cougars have secured three straight wins against Utah in the rivalry series.

Game Highlights

BYU held a narrow lead of 10-7 at halftime.
Utah took a brief lead at 14-10 early in the fourth quarter.
Martin’s 49-yard touchdown run gave Utah the lead.
Bachmeier responded with a 22-yard run that put BYU ahead 24-14.

Utah’s Devon Dampier threw for 244 yards, including two touchdown passes. Despite their offensive efforts, the Utes were unable to convert crucial fourth downs. Coach Kyle Whittingham reflected on missed opportunities, noting that despite outpacing BYU in several statistics, the final score did not reflect their dominance in other areas.

Defensive Standouts

BYU’s defense played a pivotal role in the victory, particularly in key moments. The Cougars forced Utah into turnovers on downs on three occasions, thwarting drives that could have resulted in additional points.

Backfield Performance

LJ Martin showcased his talent and has now reached over 700 rushing yards this season, establishing himself as the leading rusher in the Big 12. His performance caught the attention of multiple NFL scouts, further solidifying his rising profile.

Upcoming Matches

Utah: Will host Colorado on the following Saturday.
BYU: Will play against Iowa State also on Saturday.

The Cougars, under Coach Kalani Sitake, are gaining momentum as they continue their impressive season. With aspirations of climbing higher in the AP Top 25 Poll, their focus remains sharp as they prepare for their next challenge.