๐จ Big 12 Confirms Jaw-Dropping Turning Point in BYUโs Epic Comeback vs Utah โ Did Refs Change the Game?
In a stunning revelation, the Big 12โs officiating coordinator, Greg Burks, has confirmed that the controversial defensive holding call which kept BYUโs game-winning drive alive was absolutely correctโa verdict that refutes the furious postgame reaction from Utah AD Mark Harlan .
๐ฏ The Crucial Moment Revisited
With less than 90 seconds left and BYU pinned deep in their own territory facing 4th-and-10, quarterback Jake Retzlaff was sacked, appearing to seal a Utah victory. But Utah cornerback Zemaiah Vaughn was flagged for holding receiver JoJo Phillipsโan officiating call that not only extended the play but allowed BYU to drive down and nail a game-winning field goal as time expired .
Burks reviewed Utahโs objections and concluded:
> โRetzlaff looks to #5 immediately after the snap โฆ the defender grabs the receiver and prevents him from running his route. Correct call.โ
๐ฃ๏ธ Harlan’s Fiery RebuttalโAnd Fallout
Utah AD Mark Harlan erupted after the game, accusing officials of โstealingโ the win and storming the field during clutch momentsโa move that led to a $40K fine from the conference .
โ What This Means
The Big 12โs decision puts an official seal of approval on the call, diffusing critiques that the ending was marred by errors.
Utahโs leadership actions, once seen as heroic defense of their team, are now overshadowed by reckless sideline behavior.
As the rivalry intensifies, the next meeting on October 18 in Provo could feel even more heatedโboth on the field and behind the scenes, knowing review confirmed the call was clean .
This isnโt just controversyโitโs confirmation. The Big 12 stands by the call, and with both teams watching, the stage is set for an even more explosive rematch.
