Cougars commit 7 turnovers in blowout rivalry loss to Utah

SALT LAKE CITY – As the weather skips fall and moves into winter, college football fans across the Beehive State are preparing for a revitalized rivalry game between the struggling Utah Utes and the victorious BYU Cougars.

As the game approaches on Saturday, November 9th, the KSL Sports Zone DJ will be there and PK relive some of the rivalry's most exciting games and moments. Today's review takes us to 2011 as Utah scored 40 unanswered points in the second half for a 54-10 win.

Follow the BYU Cougars here

The game contained a lot of storylines. Utah began its first season as a member of the Pac-12, while BYU joined as an independent, creating the rivalry's first non-conference game since the 19th century (1898).

DJ & PK's Best Utah-BYU Rivalry Moments: “Final Miracle for LaVell”

Before many fans found their seats at LaVell Edwards Stadium, a bad snap sent Cougar sophomore quarterback Jake Heaps chasing the loose ball into the end zone. Instead of falling on the football for safety, Heaps tried to pick it up and throw it away. Ute defensive back Derrick Shelby had other ideas and pounced on the loose ball in the end zone to give Utah a 7-0 lead three plays into the game.

The fumble was one of seven turnovers in a series-changing loss for BYU.

Follow the Utah Utes here

Heaps responded admirably after the disastrous start. After ending the first quarter with a 46-yard field goal, Heaps initiated a lead change. Ross Apo gave the Cougars a 10-7 lead midway through the second period by catching a 32-yard touchdown pass from Heaps.

Utah took a 14-10 lead at halftime after Jordan Wynn found tight end Jake Murphy for a 30-yard score.

“DJ & PK's Best Utah-BYU Rivalry Moments: Max Hall Gets the Last Laugh”

It was all Utes in the second half, with Wynn throwing for 239 yards and two touchdowns. John White carried 22 balls for 174 yards and three rushing scores. Dres Anderson led Utah's pass catchers with 81 yards and a TD.

Heaps completed 27 of 50 passes for 305 yards, one touchdown and one interception. JJ Di Liuigi led a lethargic Cougar rushing attack that finished with 31 yards on seven carries. As a team, BYU finished the game with 11 yards on the ground. Wideout Cody Hoffman led three BYU pass catchers with at least five catches and finished the day with 138 yards on eight grabs. Kyle Van Noy had an interception for the Cougars.

Follow the Utah-BYU rivalry with KSL Sports

Undefeated BYU will look to silence Rice-Eccles Stadium when it takes on Utah on Saturday, November 9th. Kick-off is at 8:15 p.m. MT.

Take us with you wherever you go.

Download the new and improved KSL Sports app from Utah's sports leader. You can stream live radio and videos and stay up to date with all your favorite teams.

Brian Preece is a KSLsports.com insider covering locals in the MLB and the Salt Lake Bees. Follow Brian's Bees and Beehive baseball coverage here.

Follow @bpreece24