Utah AD Mark Harlan tears up the officials, Big 12 extends BYU’s winning streak after a held call

SALT LAKE CITY – After No. 9 BYU defeated rival Utah 22-21 on Saturday night thanks to a last-second field goal to remain undefeated, Utes athletic director Mark Harlan approached the podium in the post-game press conference area at Utah and said: “This game was absolutely stolen from us.”

“We were excited to be in the Big 12, but tonight I’m not,” Harlan said. “We won this game. Someone else stole it from us. I am very disappointed. I’ll speak to the commissioner. That’s not fair to our team. I am disgusted by the professionalism of the officiating crew tonight.”

A message from Utah AD Mark Harlan: pic.twitter.com/thI9hNRdbY

— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) November 10, 2024

Late in the fourth quarter, Utah had a 21-19 lead over BYU when officials assessed a holding penalty on Utah cornerback Zemaiah Vaughn on a fourth-and-10 from BYU’s 9-yard line. Utah sacked BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff during the play and caused a turnover on downs with 1:35 to play that almost sealed the win for Utah, but Vaughn was given a holding whistle.

Here’s the penalty that extended BYU’s eventual winning streak

This was a fourth down sack to end the game but was called a defensive hold

The announcers say “really good call,” but that’s very controversial pic.twitter.com/RGpw9Qy8nA

– Pick Six Previews (@PickSixPreviews) November 10, 2024

With new life and a renewed chance to salvage their undefeated season, BYU drove to the Utah 26-yard line and kicker Will Ferrin made the game-winning 44-yard field goal with four seconds left. While BYU improved to 9-0 and is now one of just four remaining undefeated teams in college football this season, Utah lost its fifth straight game in heartbreaking fashion.

Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham was visibly upset with the officiating after the game. “Things out there were ridiculous,” Whittingham said. “I’ll leave it like that.”

Utah was one of four new programs to begin Big 12 play in 2024, along with Arizona, Arizona State and Colorado.

(Photo: Chris Gardner/Getty Images)