The Utah Utes snapped BYU's three-game winning streak in the Holy War with a 28-20 victory at Rice-Eccles Stadium. According to a November 7 report, the loss leaves the BYU Cougars' College Football Playoff dreams hanging in the balance.
The defeat significantly impacted the Cougars' postseason outlook. According to the PFN College Football Playoff Meter (FPM), BYU's chances of making the CFP fell from 39.7% before kickoff to 28.9% following the loss. Additionally, the team's odds of reaching the Big 12 title game in Arlington on December 4 dropped from 30.9% to 17.9%.
Utah remains undefeated and alone at the top of the Big 12, while BYU fell to a 7-2 record (4-2 in the Big 12). The game saw Utah take an early 14-0 lead through a Devon Dampier 22-yard touchdown run and a 46-yard touchdown pass to Braden Pegan. BYU responded with 20 straight points before halftime, including a 75-yard touchdown pass from Bear Bachmeier to Legend Glasker and a score by LJ Martin, who was playing in his first game since returning from a four-game injury absence.
Despite BYU outgaining Utah 273-35 after the initial deficit, two interceptions thrown by Bachmeier near or inside the red zone in the second half allowed Utah to take a 28-20 lead by the fourth quarter. BYU now requires three consecutive wins and assistance from other Big 12 teams to reach the conference championship game.
The Cougars face a challenging remaining schedule, starting with a game against the Baylor Bears next week. Following that, BYU will play at Kansas, a team they have never beaten in the Big 12. The Cougars will conclude their season at home against the Cincinnati Bearcats on November 28.
To secure an at-large bid for the playoffs, BYU would likely need to finish the season with a 10-2 record.
