1st Half BYU/Utah: 14-10
In the first quarter it was all BYU. John Beck picked apart the Utah defense by continually going to his Tight Ends, taking advantage of mismatches as Corners tried to defend the much larger ends. John Beck could do no wrong, as every pass seemed to perfectly find its mark. The only bright side for the Utes was that the Cougar running game was completely stifled from the word go. Most tackles for a loss. Regardless, BYU found themselves up 14-0 going into the second half. In the 2nd quarter the Utes figured it out. They started getting to Beck and covered his receivers. Utes managed to march downfield and on a trick play, put Safety Eric Weddle in to take a direct snap. This isn't unusual for the Utes as Weddle is "The Man" but he'll usually run. This time he threw, and found Brent Casteel for the touchdown. After another Cougar 3 and out, the Utes went back downfield, using some more trickery by having Louie Sakoda took the snap for what should have been a punt, but never had any intention of kicking it. He picked up the first down with his feet. In the end though, the Utes were held to a 44 yard field goal attempt, which Sakoda pushed to the left. So no points for that. Cougars go 3 and out again as the Ute defense takes away all his throwing options. Utes have 2 minutes to go and begin their march downfield. A call goes their way, as QB Brett Ratliff takes a hit as he starts his throw. The whistle doesn't blow and a BYU player picks the ball up and takes it to the end zone. 20-7 Cougars? After review, the booth gave Ratliff the benefit of the doubt and called it an incomplete pass. So Utes run the 2-minute drill and take it down to the 5, with some stellar catches by double covered receivers, and after two attempts to punch the ball in through the air have to settle for the field goal with 2 seconds remaining, which leaves us at 14-10.
So at first the Utes looked completely hapless on both sides of the ball. Beck had all day to throw to any receiver of his choice and kept getting big yardage. Adjustments on defense were made by Utah and next thing we know it's BYU that can't find the open man. Utes aren't as prolific on their passing game as Beck was though and just have to use what weapons are available, which means getting the running game going and trickeration on the special teams. Eric Weddle continues to be the man on every side of the ball, playing Safety on Defense, direct snaps as the QB and even holding on the field goals. The Utes have the momentum on their side and will get the ball to start the second half. What looked to be a potential blowout by a juggernaut Cougar offense is now a tight game between two bitter rivals.
So at first the Utes looked completely hapless on both sides of the ball. Beck had all day to throw to any receiver of his choice and kept getting big yardage. Adjustments on defense were made by Utah and next thing we know it's BYU that can't find the open man. Utes aren't as prolific on their passing game as Beck was though and just have to use what weapons are available, which means getting the running game going and trickeration on the special teams. Eric Weddle continues to be the man on every side of the ball, playing Safety on Defense, direct snaps as the QB and even holding on the field goals. The Utes have the momentum on their side and will get the ball to start the second half. What looked to be a potential blowout by a juggernaut Cougar offense is now a tight game between two bitter rivals.