No. 3 Utah overcame a 20-14 halftime deficit to defeat No. 9 BYU 28-20 on Nov. 7, 2026, at Rice-Eccles Stadium, extending the Utes' winning streak to 15 games. Quarterback Devon Dampier accounted for four touchdowns while the Utah defense recorded four interceptions to secure the comeback victory in the rivalry matchup.
BYU Erases Early Deficit
Utah scored touchdowns on its first two possessions of the game. Dampier opened the scoring with a 22-yard touchdown run and later connected with Braden Pegan for a 46-yard touchdown.
BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier responded by leading the Cougars to 20 consecutive points to erase Utah's early 14-0 lead. Bachmeier connected with Walker Lyons for gains of 16 and 35 yards on the initial scoring drive, which resulted in a field goal. Bachmeier later delivered a 75-yard touchdown pass to Legend Glasker to reduce the deficit to 14-13.
After BYU recovered a fumble by Pegan, Bachmeier led another drive with an 8-yard run and two completions to Lyons, which ended with a 4-yard touchdown run by LJ Martin to put BYU ahead 20-14. Although James Chenault intercepted Bachmeier late in the second quarter, the Cougars entered halftime with the lead.
Utes Reclaim Lead
Utah coach Morgan Scalley credited his players' unity during halftime for the second-half turnaround.
"They were so united, just talking to each other," Scalley said in a postgame press conference. The coach noted that the team "completely flipped the script" in the second half.
The Utes regained the lead in the third quarter when Dampier found Pegan for a 14-yard touchdown, making the score 21-20 with 1:50 remaining in the period. Dampier added a 3-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to extend the lead to 28-20 with 12:03 remaining.
Defensive Stand Secures Win
The Utah defense secured the win with two critical interceptions in the final minutes. Trey Reynolds intercepted a third-and-goal pass from Bachmeier with 4:39 remaining in the fourth quarter. Later, Nate Ritchie intercepted a pass intended for Kyler Kasper in the closing seconds of the game.
This performance marked the first time Utah recorded four interceptions in a single game since Oct. 1, 2022, against Oregon State. It was also the highest number of interceptions Bachmeier has thrown in a single game during his career, according to a Utah game release.
BYU coach Kalani Sitake attributed the outcome to Utah's defensive pressure. "This defense is one of the best defenses in the country, and the scheme and the system works really well," Sitake said. He noted that the Cougars' turnovers were costly, stating, "That's not the way to win this rivalry."
Playoff Implications
The victory improves Utah to 9-0 overall and 6-0 in Big 12 play, keeping the Utes at the top of the conference standings. Utah remains one of three unbeaten teams in the Football Bowl Subdivision and has won 15 consecutive games, the program's longest streak since 2007.
For BYU, the loss leaves the team at 7-2 overall and 4-2 in conference play, trailing Utah by two games in the standings. The Cougars now require assistance from other conference teams to reach the Big 12 championship game, while an at-large playoff berth remains dependent on remaining results and committee rankings.
Neither team has clinched a playoff spot. The final field for the 12-team playoff will be announced Dec. 6.
Rivalry Atmosphere
Following the game, Coach Sitake tipped his hat and waved to Utah fans in the stands.
Coach Scalley praised Sitake and his staff, noting that the game reflected a more respectful environment than the previous toxic rivalry.
Utah is scheduled to visit No. 22 Arizona on Nov. 14.
Individual Statistics
Dampier finished the game with 177 passing yards and two touchdown passes, along with 89 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. Pegan recorded five receptions for 86 yards and two touchdowns.
Bachmeier completed 21 of 35 passes for 272 yards and one touchdown, while also recording 59 rushing yards on eight carries.
Johnathan Hall led Utah with nine tackles, while Reynolds recorded eight tackles.
