### BYU Stuns Utah with Dramatic Late Comeback

The BYU Cougars managed to maintain their undefeated streak in a thrilling clash against the Utah Utes, securing a 22-21 victory late Saturday night. The No. 9 Cougars capitalized on a controversial fourth-down holding penalty to edge past Utah in a dramatic finish that left the Utes reeling.

Utah seemed to have the game sealed when their defense held BYU's quarterback Jake Retzlaff to three incompletions and a sack near his goal line with just 90 seconds remaining. However, a holding penalty on Utah's Zemaiah Vaughn changed the game's course, granting BYU an automatic first down and new life in the contest.

Retzlaff quickly took advantage of the new opportunity, connecting with Chase Roberts for a pivotal 30-yard pass to midfield with 1:13 left on the clock. A series of strategic plays and maneuvers culminated in Will Ferrin's remarkable 44-yard field goal with only three seconds to go, sealing BYU's improbable comeback.

The controversial penalty sparked sharp criticism from Utah's athletic director, Mark Harlan, who didn't hold back his frustration. Harlan declared, "This game was absolutely stolen from us... We won this game; someone else stole it from us." His sentiments about the officiating were echoed, albeit more reservedly, by Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham, who alluded to the game's officiating as "ridiculous."

Throughout the night, BYU's offense appeared disjointed, with the team even using two of their second-half timeouts early in the third quarter to regroup. They also struggled to adapt to the roaring crowd at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Utah's defense kept the pressure on, sacking Retzlaff three times and disrupting multiple passing attempts, yet they failed to secure that critical final stop.

Brandon Rose, starting as Utah's quarterback for the first time this season, contributed two touchdown passes in the second quarter, helping the Utes build a 21-10 halftime lead. But Utah's offense faltered in the second half, managing just 25 plays and stalling on nearly every drive.

BYU's victory not only keeps them as one of three undefeated power conference teams—alongside Oregon and Indiana—but also nudges them closer to securing a spot in the Big 12 title game. With a perfect 6-0 conference record, they lead second-place Colorado and could clinch a championship berth with wins over Kansas and Arizona State.

The win against Utah underscores BYU's resilience and keeps their aspirations for a Big 12 title very much alive.