Remembering the Rivalry: BYU Dominates, Ute Fans Resort to Throwing Snowballs

Editor's Note: To prepare for the BYU-Utah rivalry game, each day this week BLUE COUGAR FOOTBALL will take a look back at one of the Cougars' great wins against Utah. To read additional installments of this feature, visit the “Remembering the Rivalry” page.

When the Brigham Young Cougars and the Utah Utes squared off in 1992, Utah was breathing a sigh of relief. Ty Detmer, finally, was not wearing blue and white. In Detmer’s three starts from 1989-91, BYU had beaten Utah by an average score of 54 to 23. Maybe now Utah could play competitive with BYU. After all, the Utes had a 6-4 record that was on par with BYU’s 7-4 record.

Three quarters into the game, BYU had an insurmountable 31-0 lead. The Cougars dominance of Utah had continued.

BYU attacked Utah by land and by air. On the day, BYU rolled up 214 yards rushing and 217 yards passing. Even with a separated shoulder, Jamal Willis led the ground forces with 148 yards rushing, which put him over 1,000 yards for the season. His 4-yard touchdown run in the first quarter gave BYU a 7-0 lead.

Byron Rex was the thorn in Utah’s side in the second quarter. The senior tight end caught a 25-yard touchdown pass, and threw a 19-yard touchdown pass to Eric Drage. Rex led all BYU receivers with 4 receptions for 73 yards.

It was 24-0 at the half.

The exclamation point on the game for BYU was blocking a Utah punt in the third quarter that Travis Hall was able to recover in the end zone for a touchdown.

BYU, however, had great punting from the intimidating Brad Hunter. He averaged 45 yards on eight punts with a long of 55 yards.

The BYU defense was stellar against the run allowing just 47 yards. They sacked the Utah quarterback five times.

Seeing their team fall behind 31-0, Ute fans resorted to hurling snowballs (some mixed with ice) at BYU players on the field and the sideline to vent their frustration.

BYU took its foot off the gas pedal in the fourth quarter. The defense allowed three touchdowns and two two-point conversions to make the final score 31-22. In the closing moments, BYU quarterback Ryan Hancock scrambled and was trying to get to the sideline when he took a shot to his knee that ended his college career.

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

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