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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) Sunia Tauteoli had two interceptions as the Utah defense saved the day in a disjointed 20-19 win over rival BYU on Saturday.
The Utah defense was routinely put in bad positions as the offense committed six turnovers. Troy Williams threw had 194 yards passing with one touchdown and three interceptions. Starting running back Joe Williams was benched for a spell after losing a fumble in the first quarter. Utah totaled six fumbles, losing three.
''I told them after the game we dodged a bullet because you're not going to win many games against quality opponents turning the ball over six times,'' Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said. ''It's just not going to happen.
''My stomach was churning pretty good tonight. I was thinking on the sideline, `Am I getting an ulcer?'''
But the Cougars didn't take advantage.
The Utes' defense dominated up front and forced three turnovers of its own. BYU's Taysom Hill threw for 176 yards and had two touchdown runs, but threw three interceptions.
BYU had its best drive of the day when it needed it the most, with just minutes left in the fourth quarter, trailing by seven. Hill moved the team deep in the red zone and ran in a seven-yard touchdown with 18 seconds remaining. First-year coach Kalani Sitake decided to go for the win on a two-point conversion, but a draw up the middle by Hill was stuffed.
''If you had told me they'd turn it over six times and win the game, I would have said you were crazy,'' Hill said.
THE TAKEAWAY
BYU: The BYU defense showed its opening-week effort against Arizona wasn't a fluke. Utah shot itself in the foot plenty, but the Cougars covered well in the secondary and took advantage of turnover opportunities. The offense, however, remains a work in progress after managing 328 yards and reaching the red zone just twice.
UTAH: Utah is likely in the market for a new starting running back after Joe Williams lost a fumble on the Utes' second possession of the game. He also fumbled in the season opener and had ball control issues last year. Utah survived its rival, but the offensive struggles and turnover issues will be a concern as Troy Williams took a step backward.
''My brothers have my back,'' Williams said. ''It was a tough game out there. It wasn't my best game, but it happens. It's football.
''I was just struggling. It was one of those games, honestly. It just wasn't going my way tonight.''
UP NEXT
BYU: The Cougars continue one of the most challenging starts in all of college football with a home game against UCLA. They opened the season with Arizona and Utah.
UTAH: The Utes travel to San Jose State for their final nonconference game of the regular season.
