Top 10 Utah Rivalry Performances During Win Streak

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Utah football has seen a lot of success recently against their in-state rival BYU and have made clutch plays in big moments.

From blocked field goals, to game-winning touchdowns and goal line stands, Utah has made plays that has stopped BYU from ending the streak.

Heading into the 2021 matchup on Saturday, Utah is one win away from rivalry history. With a 10th straight win, it would be the longest streak in rivalry history.

In honor of Utah’s potential 10th straight win, here are the top 10 performances from Utah players during the winning streak.

10. 2017: Darren Carrington, Wide Receiver

Back in 2017, Carrington was a big part of the passing attack as Tyler Huntley threw it to him seven times for 129 yards. The Utes only scored one touchdown in the 19-13 win and that was a five-yard run by Huntley in the third quarter. BYU also had one TD in the third and one in the fourth quarter but Utah was able to pick up the win with four field goals by Matt Gay.

9. 2013: Dres Anderson, Wide Receiver

Of the 273 yards that Travis Wilson threw in Utah’s 20-13 victory in 2013, 141 of them went to Dres Anderson on eight catches. Once again, touchdowns were rare in the in-state game as the Utes found the end zone twice and BYU once. Andy Phillips made two field goals and the Cougars hit two through the uprights.

8. 2010: Matt Martinez and Chaz Walker, Linebackers

Utah linebacker duo Matt Martinez and Chaz Walker were all over the field in 2010 as Utah edged out BYU 17-16. The two combined for 33 total tackles and 12 solo tackles in the win. Martinez finished with 17 total tackles, 7 solo tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss. Walker had 14 total tackles, 5 solo tackles and one sack.

7. 2016: Sunia Tauteoli, Linebacker

The performance by Sunia Tauteoli proved to be critical in Utah’s 20-19 win over BYU in 2016. Tauteoli finished with six tackles, one fumble recovery and returned an interception for a 41-yard touchdown just 16 seconds into the game.

6. 2018: Chase Hansen, Linebacker

Chase Hansen was all over the field in 2018 as Utah picked up a 35-27 comeback win. Hansen finished with 13 total tackles, including 10 solo and three tackles for loss.

5. 2018: Jason Shelley, Quarterback

Utah was trailing BYU 20-0 at halftime and 27-7 with 5:28 left in the third quarter. The Utes were without Tyler Huntley and Zack Moss, who both suffered season-ending injuries. Insert Jason Shelley to lead the Utes to a comeback win. Shelley finished 19-for-28 passing for 141 yards and one touchdown through the air, along with 11 carries for 61 yards and another TD.

Armand Shyne was clutch as well with two rushing touchdowns to help Utah beat BYU 35-27.

4. 2015: Utah’s Defense

In the 2015 Las Vegas Bowl, Utah’s defense basically gifted the offense 35 points, all in the first quarter. The Utes’ defense had three interceptions, including two pick-sixes, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, four sacks and eight tackles for loss.

Tevin Carter and Dominique Hatfield each had a pick-six. Utah beat BYU 35-28.

3. 2017: Tyler Huntley, Quarterback

In a rivalry game that was controlled by the defense, Tyler Huntley had a massive performance in their 19-13 win. Huntley finished 27-for-36 passing for 300 yards, while also running the ball 19 times for 89 yards and one touchdown.

2. 2011: John White, Running Back

John White was simply amazing in Utah’s 54-10 win over BYU in Provo back in 2011. White had 174 rushing yards on 22 carries and three touchdowns. Utah couldn’t do anything wrong that night at LaVell Edwards Stadium.

1. 2019: Zack Moss, Running Back

One of the big reasons why Utah pulled out a 30-12 win over BYU in the last rivalry game to be played before the clash on Saturday was running back Zack Moss. Utah’s all-time rushing leader finished with 29 carries for 187 yards and one touchdown in the win.

The 2021 Utah/BYU game will take place on Saturday, September 11 at 8:15 p.m. MDT on ESPN.

Trevor Allen is a Utah Utes Insider for sports.ksl.com, Co-Host of Faith, Family and Football podcast with Clark Phillips III and host of the Crimson Corner podcast. Follow him on Twitter: @TrevorASports.

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