PLAYER OF THE GAME

The senior quarterback completed 30 of 36 passes for 303 yards and four touchdowns. He completed 12 straight passes during one first-half stretch.

PLAY OF THE GAME

With Utah leading just 27-24 in the third quarter and BYU on the move, Utes defensive back Robert Johnson intercepted a pass by Max Hall on his own 22-yard line. The play ended the Cougars' last realistic shot at taking the lead in Saturday's game.

KEY CALL

Utah's decision to go for broke before halftime gave it a big momentum boost. Following an interception by Joe Dale, the Utes went for the end zone to try and take control of the game. It worked, as Brian Johnson completed a 32-yard touchdown pass to David Reed to give Utah a 27-17 lead with 21 seconds left before halftime.

QUOTABLE " It's been an amazing season, and we did a tremendous job tonight to have a dream ending."

Paul Kruger, Utah defensive end

UP NEXT SUGAR BOWL?

The Utes, who will be playing in their second BCS bowl in the last five years, won't find out their BCS fortunes until Dec. 7, but many national pundits and news outlets have them pegged for a Jan. 2 Sugar Bowl showdown with the Crimson Tide.