Yesterday we went to the BYU vs. Utah football game at Lavell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah. This game was amazing. Andrea and I got tickets for her parents and all four of us went to the game. Last year BYU won the game up in Salt Lake in the last few seconds with a pass from John Beck to Johnny Harline. That reception catapulted BYU into the lead and secured the victory.
This year both teams were coming in with 7 game winning streaks and it was going to be a good game. As the game progressed in its early stages, it was apparent that it was going to be a defensive struggle and a game of field position, and would likely be decided in the final few minutes. As it turns out that is exactly what happened.
If you didn’t see the game, you need to. It was a great game. There was tons of emotion both by the players and the fans. At one point, the Ute’s were deep in our territory, and we were dangerously close to the getting a safety. The stands were louder than I have ever heard. I had both my ears plugged and I was whistling as loud as I could (my voice was already gone) and the Ute’s had two consecutive false starts. Now that is what we call home field advantage! It was a great game to be at and the first game I can ever remember where the stands were still packed as time expired.
The victory was made possible by a fourth and eighteen pass from Max Hall to Austin Collie. That was the defining play in this game because it allowed BYU some additional downs and placed them in long field goal range. Luckily we got a few breaks and then Harvey Unga ran the ball in from 11 yards out to get BYU in the lead. There were still 40 seconds on the clock and the Ute’s had 3 timeouts so the game was far from over. There was a big defensive stand and the Cougars pulled away with the victory. The best part may have been seeing the fans rush the field and carry the players on their shoulders. That always gives me goosebumps and this time was no different. What a great game for my last BYU home football game as a student. GO COUGS!
Watch the BYU slideshow from the game. BYU v Utah