Remembering the Rivalry: Brigham Young Cougars 48, Utah Utes 17 (1991)

November 23, 1991—Appropriately, the Brigham Young Cougars played Utah, in Provo, in the final game of 1991, Ty Detmer’s senior year. In true rivalry spirit, the Utes were poised to rain on the parade. After one quarter, BYU trailed by three, 17-14.



That’s when the Cougar defense buckled down, and kept Utah off the scoreboard the rest of the way. For the game, BYU intercepted five Utah passes and recovered a Utah fumble.

The Cougar offense remained consistent. After scoring two TDs in the first quarter, they scored two more in the second and two more in the third before taking their foot off of the pedal and scored only one in the fourth.

Detmer was brilliant. He accounted for six touchdowns (five passing, one rushing), completed over 60 percent of his passes (18-29) for 378 yards, and averaged over 13 yards per attempt. His favorite target on this day, and all season, was Eric Drage.

Drage had a great day in his own right. He didn’t catch a lot of passes (6), but half of those were touchdowns. He averaged a ridiculous 31.3 yards per reception, giving him 188 yards for the game and 1,018 on the season. Drage set a school record when he took a Detmer pass 97 yards for a touchdown early in the game.

The win secured a third consecutive WAC championship and Holiday Bowl berth.

Remembering the Rivalry is a special feature on BLUE COUGAR FOOTBALL that is done annually during the week of the BYU vs. Utah football game. Each day, BLUE COUGAR FOOTBALL will highlight one of the classic games in this rivalry. For additional installments of this feature, please visit the Special Features page. 

The Editor appreciates all feedback. He can be reached via email at bluecougarfootball@gmail.com

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