PROVO — Ten did not come.
Not during Big 12 Week in Provo.
BYU rode the legs and arm of sophomore quarterback Jaren Hall and a pesky defense en route to a 26-17 win over No. 21 Utah Saturday night in front of a packed LaVell Edwards Stadium and national TV audience.
Utah’s heralded defense had no answer for Hall’s mobility, which included a 60-yard TD run that got called back when he stepped out of bounds at midfield. His run over the left side on a fourth-and-12 in the second quarter and the fact head coach Kalani Sitake went for it ignited BYU’s team. When Hall stepped out of bounds after an 18-yard gain, it set up BYU’s first touchdown and 10-0 second-quarter lead.
That was the foundation of BYU’s victory that ended a 12-year, nine-game losing streak to the Utes.
On one end of the field, Utah’s Kyle Whittingham passed up a field goal for a failed fourth-down run in the first half. On the other side, Sitake gambled and won on a fourth-and-long.
That was the game in a capsule.
BYU’s win was no fluke, nothing of the luck or crazy bounce side. The Cougars led from start to finish and forced two Utah turnovers, and Hall became the first quarterback since Max Hall to walk off the field a winner over Utah, his teammates embracing him in an emotional display of heroic love.
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
BYU won the battle of the trenches, something Utah had allegedly enjoyed for nine straight wins.
The win snapped Utah’s streak in a stretch of time in which the state’s media experts hyped and endlessly praised Utah’s superior depth, Pac-12 athletes, blazing speed, size and strength.
Each year the game came up, this anthem was repeated over and over again, that Utah was just more talented.
And they had a right to say so.
The results proved it.
So did recruiting science — albeit an “opinion-based” exercise by recruiting services.
For example, 247Sports had Utah’s average recruiting ranking the past five years as an average of 31. During that time, BYU’s recruiting rank averaged 66; the last five years were ranked 72, 76, 81, 78 and 66 in 2017.
None of that mattered Saturday night.
Hall ran eight times for 92 yards, including a conversion on a fourth-and-12 near midfield in the first half, and completed 18 of 30 passes for 149 yards and three touchdowns to stun the Pac-12’s most staunch defense.
Walk-on — that’s right, former linebacker walk-on — Tyler Allgeier carried 27 times for 102 yards to give offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick a dangerous, balanced attack. It was formidable and effective against the Utes.
Meanwhile, BYU surprised Utah’s offense with a multiple pressure four-man front filled with blitzing linebackers to pressure Baylor transfer Charlie Brewer, who threw an interception to Isaiah Herron in the first quarter. Herron then picked up a fumble in the first half to really stall Utah’s start to the game.
How does a BYU team with such inferior talent to Utah pull off a win?
Winning the line of scrimmage. BYU also displayed a marked improvement in corners and safeties, holding Utah’s pass game to one TD from Brewer to Brant Kuithe, the best at that position in the Pac-12.
By playing better, cleaner football. Take away three 15-yard personal foul or unsportsmanlike penalties and Sitake’s squad played a clean game — no turnovers. No quarter given. Just football.
Just weeks after he received a contract extension by BYU, Sitake led the Cougars to a storybook-like victory. He did it by slowly but steadily building his roster, strengthening his players, recruiting bigger and faster talent. Nobody seemed to notice, but it was on the comeuppance witnessed last year with five NFL draft picks including, Zach Wilson at No. 2.
BYU had an advantage in playing 12 games last year to Utah’s five. It’s called player development. Sitake and his staff have toiled and worked their butts off to achieve results.
And it showed in this game.
This was BYU’s largest margin of victory over Utah since 1996 when that LaVell Edwards’ Cotton Bowl team led by Steve Sarkisian won, 37-17.
Hall is the first quarterback to burn Utah for three TD passes since John Beck’s four in 2006.
Has BYU made up some ground? One would think so.
Sitake benefited from the most recent NCAA move with the transfer portal, adding a pair of energetic and talented Nacua brothers from Utah and Washington. Samson Nacua caught one of Hall’s TD passes. Neil Pau’u and Gunner Romney had the other two.
Samson caught two passes for 10 and Puka had four for 37. Their added talent to BYU’s already-deep receiving corps was evident. When Utah accounted for tight end Isaac Rex, BYU receivers delivered huge plays.
The 247 recruiting rankings this past year did not include the Nacua arrivals.
Sitake’s team dominated Utah in almost every category — total offense 368 to 340, rushing 219 to 193 with Utah getting nearly half of its ground game in the fourth quarter. BYU had a whopping advantage converting 11 of 19 third-down conversions to Utah’s two of 9, and five for five scoring in the red zone. BYU had an 11-minute advantage in time of possession and ran 76 plays to Utah’s 51.
It would have taken a major breakdown for BYU to have lost to No. 21-ranked Utah on Saturday.
That slippery trip never came.
Ten?
Well, you could say one.
A very big one began on Saturday night.
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