NEW MEXICO 31, UTAH 27

Chris Nelson: Making his first career start, he didn't have a terrific game but was adequate enough to get a victory in passing for 197 yards.

Play of the game

With Utah leading 27-25 midway through the fourth quarter, Ute quarterback Brian Johnson is hit at the 10-yard line by Michael Tuohy as he tries an option pitch to Quinton Ganther. The loose ball is picked up by Cody Kase at the 2-yard line and run into the end zone for the winning TD.

Key call

On first-and-5 at the UNM 14-yard line with more than a minute left in the game, the Utes call two pass plays for inexperienced quarterback Brett Ratliff. The first is incomplete and the second is intercepted, ending the Utes' hopes.

Quotable

"Like I've said a thousand times, turnovers are the second-most important stat, other than the final score." — Kyle Whittingham, Utah head coach

Up next:

AT BYU

Where: LaVell Edwards Stadium

When: Saturday,

1 p.m.

Update: The Cougars (6-4, 5-2) became bowl-eligible with a win over Wyoming in Laramie.