Early Decisions Prove Too Costly For Utah In 24-21 Loss To BYU
Oct 18, 2025, 10:41 PM | Updated: Oct 19, 2025, 8:21 pm
BYU WR Chase Roberts against Utah defense. Photo by Joel Davidson
Provo, UT. — It was another tight, competitive matchup as No. 23 Utah fought hard in a back-and-forth Holy War, but ultimately came up a field goal or two short of a win, falling 24-21 loss to No. 15 BYU at LaVell Edwards Stadium.
Kyle Whittingham enters uncharted territory as his program now drops the third-straight contest in the rivalry. Even more so, as this game included a handful of questionable coaching decisions.
Utah had three opportunities to kick field goals, but elected to go for it on each 4th down, and were stopped each time. With the result being what it was, one or two or three field goals would’ve made a significant difference.
Utah beat themselves tonight
Credit where it’s due, BYU made the plays they needed to for the win tonight. However, Utah clearly beat themselves with recklessness and questionable decisions.
Coming into the game, one of the major points of emphasis was that Utah needed to play fundamentally sound and not beat themselves. Unfortunately, Utah finished the game with 12 penalties and 2 turnovers, compared to BYU’s five penalties and zero turnovers.
Devon Dampier suffered an injury in the second half of the game, which clearly limited his effectiveness down the stretch. He wasn’t only unable to move with the same explosiveness, the QB run game just wasn’t an option for him.
Freshman Byrd Ficklin tried to supplant some of those carries and even provided a spark, but it wasn’t effective for too long.
Utah’s first drive set the tone for the game
The game was tight throughout three quarters, with both teams trading stops and struggling to sustain drives in the red zone. Utah’s first possession set the tone: the Utes drove 81 yards, mixing runs and passes effectively, only to be stopped just shy of a downs conversion on fourth down.
Utah left the field without points, a missed opportunity that foreshadowed a series of critical stops for BYU as the game progressed.
The Utes were able to generate a lot of positive yardage, convert between the 20’s, but Utah was unable to finish in the red zone. Something that had been the biggest bright spot of the season so far.
By halftime, BYU held a slim 10-7 lead after Will Ferrin’s 42-yard field goal with just six seconds remaining. Despite the scoreboard, Utah’s offense had accumulated 238 total yards compared to BYU’s 184 and converted more first downs, but turnovers and failed fourth-down attempts prevented the Utes from turning yardage into points.
Utah quarterback Devon Dampier struggled to find consistent rhythm through the air, finishing the first half 8-of-13 for 96 yards and one touchdown.
Dampier connected on key plays, the passing attack lacked sustained production, leaving Utah in a position where yardage did not translate into scoreboard advantage.
On the other side of the ball, Bear Bachmeier showcased his dual-threat ability, making plays both through the air and with his legs. But the Utah defense was able to make plays to limit the efficiency of the Cougars.
The first half set up a tense, tightly contested rivalry game with Utah demonstrating clear potential but leaving points on the field. The Utes showed resilience and moved the ball effectively at times, but the red-zone stops ultimately defined the early deficit heading into the locker room.
After a competitive first half that ended with BYU up 10-7, the second half featured big plays, controversial calls, and a dramatic finish.
Devon Dampier was hobbled, Utah couldn’t overcome early decisions
Utah started the second half with the ball but went three-and-out, quickly followed by a BYU three-and-out of their own. Utah’s next drive featured a wild 52-yard play: Dallen Bentley picked up 32 yards on a reception, fumbled, and Tobias Merriweather scooped it up for another 20. Despite the momentum, the Utes stalled at the 6-yard line and turned it over on fourth down—continuing a frustrating trend of missed red-zone opportunities.
BYU responded with a methodical drive, primarily on the ground, reaching midfield before a holding penalty pushed them back. Jackson Bennee intercepted a pass on 2nd down, but a defensive holding call on Tao Johnson extended the drive. Utah’s defense ultimately held, forcing a punt that pinned BYU at the 9.
Utah’s next possession featured Devon Dampier, clearly playing through a heavily taped right ankle, leading the team out to the 30-yard line with help from a defensive pass interference call. Entering the fourth quarter, Utah took control on a dynamic drive: Byrd Ficklin gained 15 yards on the ground before Daniel Bray finished a 49-yard jet sweep for a touchdown, giving the Utes a 14-10 lead.
BYU answered quickly. Bachmeier orchestrated a precise drive, including a 26-yard completion to Carsen Ryan. Then, after appearing wrapped up for a sack, Bachmeier escaped, before Lander Barton laid a violent hit on him, which was flagged and confirmed for targeting.
The penalty set up the Cougars in the red zone, and Kingston took the sweep handoff and powered 12 yards into the end zone to give BYU a 17-14 lead.
Utah’s next drive was hindered by Dampier’s mobility limitations, with Ficklin taking over some designed runs. A 13-yard completion to Bentley gave hope, but Dampier’s next pass intended for Bray was intercepted by Tanner Wall, halting momentum.
In what appeared to be the decisive blow, Bachmeier rumbled 22 yards for a BYU touchdown late in the fourth quarter, extending the lead to 24-14.
The game seemed over a sack by Jack Kelly on 4th-and-15, but the Utes regained possession shortly after with time remaining.
Dampier drove Utah down the field, which included a couple of BYU penalties, and then found Larry Simmons in the end zone with 1:24 left, cutting the deficit to 24-21.
However, Utah’s onside kick attempt failed, and BYU ran out the clock to secure the win.
