The BYU Cougars finally beat the Utah Utes on Saturday night 26-17, snapping a nine-game losing streak that started in 2010.
Here are three keys to the Cougars’ victory.
BYU won a whole bunch of statistical categories
We’ll just leave a list here of the key stats BYU won:
- First downs 21-15
- Total yards 380-340
- Passing yards 149-147
- Rushing yards 231-193
- Turnovers 2-0
The Cougars dominated the line of scrimmage
On both offense and defense, BYU outplayed Utah at the line of scrimmage for most of the night. After a bit of a slow start on offense, the Cougars started to roll when holes opened up for running back Tyler Allgeier and quarterback Jaren Hall was able to make plays with his feet.
On the night, BYU outrushed Utah 231 yards to 193. Allgeier tallied 102 of those yards, and Hall was just behind him with 92.
Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake celebrates as he is lifted into the air by fans as BYU defeats Utah in an NCAA football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. BYU won 26-17, ending a nine-game losing streak to the Utes.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU fans celebrate after winning an NCAA college football game against Utah at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. BYU won 26-17.
Shafkat Anowar, Deseret News
BYU players make their way onto the field ahead of an NCAA college football game against Utah at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Shafkat Anowar, Deseret News
Utah Utes running back Micah Bernard (2) gets pressured by Brigham Young Cougars defensive back Malik Moore during the second half of an NCAA college football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. BYU won 26-17.
Shafkat Anowar, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jaren Hall gets pushed by Utah Utes cornerback Clark Phillips III during the second half of an NCAA college football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. BYU won 26-17.
Shafkat Anowar, Deseret News
Utah Utes cornerback Clark Phillips III (8) pulls back after Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) misses a long pass downfield during an NCAA football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes safety Tyrone Young-Smith gives Kyler Jones a hand slap as BYU and Utah prepare to play an NCAA football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham greets a fan as the team arrives for a game against BYU at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah players smile as they walk past BYU fans who are booing them as they arrive for an NCAA football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah players walk past BYU fans who are booing them as they arrive for an NCAA football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Fans eagerly press to have their tickets scanned as BYU and Utah prepare to play an NCAA football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Fans run to find their seats after having their tickets scanned as BYU and Utah play an NCAA football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Fans run to find their seats after having their tickets scanned as BYU and Utah play an NCAA football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Fans hurry to find their seats after having their tickets scanned as BYU and Utah play an NCAA football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah fans flash their “U” before BYU and Utah play an NCAA football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Members of the BYU ROTC practice before BYU and Utah play an NCAA football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Fans gather ahead of an NCAA college football game between BYU and Utah at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Shafkat Anowar, Deseret News
Fans gather as players warm up on the field ahead of an NCAA college football game between BYU and Utah at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Shafkat Anowar, Deseret News
Fans gather ahead of an NCAA college football game between BYU and Utah at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Shafkat Anowar, Deseret News
Fans gather ahead of an NCAA college football game between BYU and Utah at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Shafkat Anowar, Deseret News
Two F-15E’s from the 389th Fighter Squadron at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho perform a flyover as BYU and Utah prepare to play an NCAA football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU players warm up ahead of an NCAA college football game against Utah at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Shafkat Anowar, Deseret News
BYU players warm up ahead of an NCAA college football game against Utah at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Shafkat Anowar, Deseret News
Utah players warm up ahead of an NCAA college football game against BYU at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Shafkat Anowar, Deseret News
Utah players wait to warm up ahead of an NCAA college football game against BYU at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Shafkat Anowar, Deseret News
Utah players huddle with a coach ahead of an NCAA college football game against BYU at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Shafkat Anowar, Deseret News
BYU players make their way to the field to warm up ahead of an NCAA college football game against Utah at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Shafkat Anowar, Deseret News
BYU and Utah compete during the first half of an NCAA college football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Shafkat Anowar, Deseret News
Utah Utes quarterback Charlie Brewer (12) sprints as BYU defends during the first half of an NCAA college football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Shafkat Anowar, Deseret News
Utah Utes quarterback Charlie Brewer (12) runs past BYU’s defense as they compete during the first half of an NCAA college football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Shafkat Anowar, Deseret News
Utah’s running back Micah Bernard (2) runs past BYU’s defense they compete during the first half of an NCAA college football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Shafkat Anowar, Deseret News
Utah Utes quarterback Charlie Brewer dodges a tackle during the first half of an NCAA college football game against BYU at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Shafkat Anowar, Deseret News
BYU and Utah compete during the first half of an NCAA college football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Shafkat Anowar, Deseret News
BYU and Utah compete during the first half of an NCAA college football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Shafkat Anowar, Deseret News
BYU and Utah compete during the first half of an NCAA college football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Shafkat Anowar, Deseret News
BYU and Utah compete during the first half of an NCAA college football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Shafkat Anowar, Deseret News
BYU players make their way onto the field ahead of an NCAA college football game against Utah at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Shafkat Anowar, Deseret News
BYU players make their way onto the field ahead of an NCAA college football game against Utah at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Shafkat Anowar, Deseret News
U.S military members hold the American flag as BYU and Utah prepare to compete in an NCAA college football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Shafkat Anowar, Deseret News
U.S military members hold the American flag as BYU and Utah prepare to compete in an NCAA college football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Shafkat Anowar, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars D’Angelo Mandell (5) and Isaiah Herron celebrate an interception during the first half of an NCAA college football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Shafkat Anowar, Deseret News
U.S military members hold the American flag as BYU and Utah prepare to compete in an NCAA college football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Shafkat Anowar, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) isn’t able to make the catch as BYU and Utah play an NCAA football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jaren Hall (3) slides down after a run as BYU and Utah play an NCAA football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU students hold signs as BYU and Utah play an NCAA football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Keanu Hill (1) celebrates a long catch setting up a Cougar score as BYU and Utah play an NCAA football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
A Utah fan holds up his “U” as BYU and Utah play an NCAA football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes defensive tackle Viane Moala (98) tries to knock down a pass by Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jaren Hall (3) during an NCAA football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
American flags are part of a 9/11 remembrance prior to BYU and Utah playing an NCAA football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes quarterback Charlie Brewer (12) slides down with Brigham Young Cougars linebacker Keenan Pili (41) moving in as BYU and Utah play an NCAA football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Members of the Cougarettes perform during a timeout as BYU and Utah play an NCAA football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars defensive back Isaiah Herron (11) makes a tackle on Utah Utes wide receiver Devaughn Vele (17) during an NCAA football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jaren Hall (3) delivers a pass in the first half of an NCAA football game against Utah at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU players celebrate after winning an NCAA college football game against Utah at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. BYU won 26-17.
Shafkat Anowar, Deseret News
A fan reacts as BYU and Utah compete in an NCAA college football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. BYU won 26-17.
Shafkat Anowar, Deseret News
Fans react as BYU and Utah compete in an NCAA college football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. BYU won 26-17.
Shafkat Anowar, Deseret News
Utah Utes tight end Brant Kuithe (80) catches the ball ahead of a touchdown as they compete against BYU during the first half of an NCAA college football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Shafkat Anowar, Deseret News
Utah Utes representatives fly the university flag as they compete against BYU in an NCAA college football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Shafkat Anowar, Deseret News
Fans cheer as BYU and Utah compete during the second half of an NCAA college football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. BYU won 26-17.
Shafkat Anowar, Deseret News
Utah Utes running back Micah Bernard (2) celebrates a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. BYU won 26-17.
Shafkat Anowar, Deseret News
Utah Utes running back Micah Bernard (2) gets pressured by BYU’s defense during the second half of an NCAA college football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. BYU won 26-17.
Shafkat Anowar, Deseret News
BYU and Utah compete during the second half of an NCAA college football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. BYU won 26-17.
Shafkat Anowar, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars defensive back Morgan Pyper (10) celebrates after a touchdown during an NCAA college football game against Utah at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. BYU won 26-17.
Shafkat Anowar, Deseret News
BYU fans celebrate after winning an NCAA college football game against Utah at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. BYU won 26-17.
Shafkat Anowar, Deseret News
BYU players celebrate after winning an NCAA college football game against Utah at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. BYU won 26-17.
Shafkat Anowar, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars offensive lineman Blake Freeland (71) celebrates after a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Utah at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. BYU won 26-17.
Shafkat Anowar, Deseret News
BYU and Utah compete during the first half of an NCAA college football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Shafkat Anowar, Deseret News
Fans react as BYU and Utah compete in an NCAA college football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Shafkat Anowar, Deseret News
BYU cheerleaders hold the American flag as BYU and Utah compete in an NCAA college football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Shafkat Anowar, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Keanu Hill (1) celebrates a long catch setting up a Cougar score as BYU and Utah play an NCAA football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars running back Tyler Allgeier (25) takes the handoff from Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jaren Hall (3) as BYU and Utah play an NCAA football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. BYU won 26-17, ending a nine-game losing streak to the Utes.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars running back Tyler Allgeier (25) looks for running room as BYU and Utah play an NCAA football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. BYU won 26-17, ending a nine-game losing streak to the Utes.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Fans swarm the field after BYU defeated Utah in an NCAA football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. BYU won 26-17, ending a nine-game losing streak to the Utes.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars running back Tyler Allgeier (25) flips the ball away after a run as BYU and Utah play an NCAA football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. BYU won 26-17, ending a nine-game losing streak to the Utes.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jaren Hall (3) delivers a pass as BYU and Utah play an NCAA football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jaren Hall (3) delivers a pass as BYU and Utah play an NCAA football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
A BYU fan celebrates as BYU and Utah play an NCAA football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Keanu Hill (1) celebrates a long catch setting up a Cougar score as BYU and Utah play an NCAA football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake and the rest of the BYU sideline begin to celebrate as they defeat Utah in an NCAA football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. BYU won 27-16 ending a 9 game losing streak to the Utes.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake and the rest of the BYU sideline begin to celebrate as they defeat Utah in an NCAA football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. BYU won 26-17, ending a nine-game losing streak to the Utes.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU players and coaches begin celebrating as they defeat Utah in an NCAA football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. BYU won 26-17, ending a nine-game losing streak to the Utes.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU players celebrate and Utah players look for the exit as they fall to the Cougars in an NCAA football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. BYU won 26-17, ending a nine-game losing streak to the Utes.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU players celebrate as they defeat Utah in an NCAA football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. BYU won 26-17, ending a nine-game losing streak to the Utes.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes linebacker Devin Lloyd (0) and Brigham Young Cougars offensive lineman James Empey (66) greet each other after the game as BYU defeats Utah in an NCAA football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. BYU won 26-17, ending a nine-game losing streak to the Utes.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake thanks the fans as the Cougars defeat Utah in an NCAA football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. BYU won 26-17, ending a nine-game losing streak to the Utes.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes safety Brandon McKinney (28) and Utah Utes linebacker Hayden Furey (54) try to get to Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jaren Hall (3) as BYU and Utah play an NCAA football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. BYU won 26-17, ending a nine-game losing streak to the Utes.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Neil Pau’u (2) makes a catch as he falls out of bounds as BYU and Utah play an NCAA football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. BYU won 26-17, ending a nine-game losing streak to the Utes.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars running back Tyler Allgeier (25) is tackled as BYU and Utah play an NCAA football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. BYU won 26-17, ending a nine-game losing streak to the Utes.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes quarterback Charlie Brewer (12) takes a snap as BYU and Utah play an NCAA football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. BYU won 26-17, ending a nine-game losing streak to the Utes.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes quarterback Charlie Brewer (12) jumps to get the pass off as BYU and Utah play an NCAA football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. BYU won 26-17, ending a nine-game losing streak to the Utes.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes running back Micah Bernard (2) sits up after being hit by Brigham Young Cougars linebacker Ben Bywater (33) as BYU and Utah play an NCAA football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. BYU won 26-17, ending a nine-game losing streak to the Utes.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
A young BYU fan holds up a sign as BYU and Utah play an NCAA football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. BYU won 26-17, ending a nine-game losing streak to the Utes.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars defensive back Isaiah Herron (11) brings down Utah Utes running back Micah Bernard (2) as BYU and Utah play an NCAA football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. BYU won 26-17, ending a nine-game losing streak to the Utes.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah Utes running back Micah Bernard (2) finds an opening in the line as BYU and Utah play an NCAA football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. BYU won 26-17, ending a nine-game losing streak to the Utes.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Cosmo juggles knives while balancing on a board on top of ladders as BYU and Utah play an NCAA football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. BYU won 26-17, ending a nine-game losing streak to the Utes.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars linebacker Payton Wilgar (49) knocks down a pass by Utah Utes quarterback Charlie Brewer (12) as BYU and Utah play an NCAA football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. BYU won 26-17, ending a nine-game losing streak to the Utes.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake celebrates the win as BYU defeats Utah in an NCAA football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. BYU won 26-17, ending a nine-game losing streak to the Utes.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake celebrates the win as BYU defeats Utah in an NCAA football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. BYU won 26-17, ending a nine-game losing streak to the Utes.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake celebrates the win as BYU defeats Utah in an NCAA football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. BYU won 26-17, ending a nine-game losing streak to the Utes.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake celebrates the win as BYU defeats Utah in an NCAA football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. BYU won 26-17, ending a nine-game losing streak to the Utes.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake celebrates the win as BYU defeats Utah in an NCAA football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. BYU won 26-17, ending a nine-game losing streak to the Utes.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake celebrates the win as BYU defeats Utah in an NCAA football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. BYU won 26-17, ending a nine-game losing streak to the Utes.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake celebrates the win as BYU defeats Utah in an NCAA football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. BYU won 26-17, ending a nine-game losing streak to the Utes.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake celebrates the win as BYU defeats Utah in an NCAA football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. BYU won 26-17, ending a nine-game losing streak to the Utes.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
As much as the Cougars won the line of scrimmage on offense, though, they dominated it on defense. BYU generally plays a “bend but don’t break” style defensively, but on Saturday night, the Cougars regularly brought pressure on first and second down, and the Utes could never really string whole drives together.
Officially, BYU finished with two sacks (four players with a half sack each), one additional tackle for loss and one quarterback hurry, but that doesn’t tell the story of how much the Cougars controlled the trenches.
BYU’s DT Mahe with a huge TFL that puts Utah into tough FG range. Terrible effort on the trap block by Utah.
Huge play by Mahe. He did a great job of getting up field. pic.twitter.com/C9nef1Hiij— Hans Olsen (@975Hans) September 12, 2021
Jaren Hall was great
For the second straight week, Hall’s final stats won’t wow too much. Yes, he had the 92 rushing yards, but he finished an average 18 of 30 for 149 yards throwing.
But in truth, Hall was outstanding. He managed the game well and didn’t make mistakes, and then he made some huge plays in crucial moments, often with his feet.
There was the 18-yard run on fourth and 11 in the second quarter on a drive that saw BYU score a touchdown five plays later. There were numerous clutch third down conversions, and Hall sealed the deal by leading a great drive in the fourth quarter that milked the clock and iced the game after Utah had cut the deficit to six.