Utah Has Won Big Games In Provo

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – In the history of the rivalry game between BYU and Utah, the Utes have picked up some big wins in Provo.

Utah had a 10-game losing streak in Provo dating back to 1971 before snapping the streak in 1993.

After that win, they won four straight from 1993-99.

The Utes have currently won three straight games at LaVell Edwards Stadium.

Here are some notable Utah wins in Provo:

1993 Game-Winning Field Goal

The game was tied at 17 heading into the fourth quarter in Provo when the Utes took the lead on an 84-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Mike McCoy to Curtis Marsh, but they missed the extra point. Kalin Hall ran in a touchdown from four yards out to give the Cougars a one-point lead.

Utah answered with a touchdown run by running back Jamal Anderson with McCoy and “The Dirty Bird” connecting on the two point conversion to lead by seven. BYU quarterback John Walsh tied the game with a one-yard score. But, Utah kicker Chris Yergensen gave the Utes the win with a 55-yard field goal.

The Utes had a 7-6 record at the end of the season with a loss to USC in the Freedom Bowl.

Fast Start Leads Utah To Win In 1995

The Utes picked up their second straight win at Cougar Stadium with a 34-17 victory over BYU. Utah held a 27-3 lead over the Cougars entering the fourth quarter before holding BYU off from any comeback attempt. Quarterback Mike Fouts threw for 275 yards and 2 touchdowns, while running back Chris Fuamatu-Ma’afala rushed for 108 yards and two touchdowns. The Utes intercepted four passes from BYU QB Steve Sarkisian.

Utah ended the 1995 season with a 7-4 record.

Utes Claim Third Straight Win In Provo In 1997

After losing 10 straight games in Provo, the Utes rattled off three straight victories at Cougar Stadium. They knocked off the Cougars 20-14. Utah quarterback Darnell Arceneaux’s rushing touchdown and a field goal by Cletus Tommy Turhe gave the Utes a 10-0 lead before BYU found the end zone. BYU running back Brian McKenzie scored his second touchdown of the game in the second quarter to give the Cougars a 14-10 lead at halftime.

That was the last time BYU would score and the Utes capitalized by another rushing touchdown by Arceneaux and a field goal by Turhe in the fourth quarter to pick up the win. Arceneaux threw for 208 yards and rushed for 63 yards. Wide receiver Kevin Dyson had 9 receptions for 143 yards.

Utah finished the season with a 6-5 record.

Utah Holds Off BYU Late For Win In 1999

The Utes put the winning streak in Provo at four games with a 20-17 win over BYU. It was a field-goal-filled first half with Utah taking a 6-3 lead at halftime. The Cougars took the lead in the third quarter when quarterback Kevin Feterik found Margin Hooks for a 77-yard touchdown. The Utes answered with T.D. Croshaw connecting with Cliff Russell for a 70-yard score and Utah had a 13-10 lead entering the fourth quarter.

Croshaw threw his second touchdown pass in the fourth quarter when he found Donny Utu from four-yards out. Feterik threw a six-yard touchdown to Ben Horton, but the Cougars couldn’t complete the comeback.

The Utes won 9 games in 1999 after a win over Fresno State in the Las Vegas Bowl.

Cold, Snowy Weather In Famous ‘3-0’ Game

This game probably doesn’t fit this category but it was a big win in Provo despite being 3-0 in the Utes favor in 2003. Quarterback Alex Smith finished with 113 yards passing and 1 interception. The field goal by Bryan Borreson came in the second quarter.

Utah had a 10-2 record when they beat Southern Mississippi in the Liberty Bowl.

Ratliff Tops Cougars In 2005 OT Classic

Utah had a great start to the rivalry game in Provo with a 24-3 lead in the first half. BYU answered with 21 points and held Utah to one touchdown in the third quarter to trim the Utes lead to 31-24 lead entering the fourth quarter.

The Utes started the final period with a field goal to stretch their lead to 10 when the Cougars made a comeback. Quarterback John Beck hit Matt Allen for a 28-yard touchdown and Jared McLaughlin made a field goal to tie the game and the rivalry went to overtime.

Utah quarterback Brett Ratliff found wide receiver Travis LaTendresse for a 25-yard touchdown. The Cougars couldn’t get in the end zone on the next possession and Utah picked up the win.

Ratliff finished with 240 yards passing and four touchdowns, while rushing for 112 yards and another touchdown. Running back Quinton Ganther racked up 131 rushing yards. After winning the Fiesta Bowl under Urban Meyer in 2004 with an undefeated season, Utah had a 7-5 record under Kyle Whittingham’s first season at the helm. The Utes beat Georgia Tech in the Emerald Bowl.

Utes Force Seven Turnovers In 2011 Dominating Win

It was the first time the rivals met as non-conference foes as Utah jumped to the Pac-12 and BYU went independent. Utah forced seven turnovers, six fumbles and one interception in their 54-10 win. Two fumbles were returned for touchdowns by Derrick Shelby and V.J. Fehoko. BYU quarterback Jake Heaps had two fumbles and one interception in the loss. Utah QB Jordan Wynn threw for 239 yards and two touchdowns, running back John White racked up 174 yards and 3 touchdowns on the ground.

The Utes won 8 games in 2011, including a win over Georgia Tech in the Sun Bowl.

Utah will face BYU at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Thursday at 8:15 p.m. on ESPN and KSL Newsradio.