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UTAH athletics director Mark Harlan claimed he was “disgusted” with officials after Saturday’s controversial loss.
The Utes threw away an 11-point lead over No. 9-ranked BYU in an agonizing defeat.
Mark Harlan was bemused by Utah’s defeat against BYU[/caption]
Utah let an 11-point lead slip against BYU in an agonizing defeat[/caption]
But the manner of the loss didn’t sit well with Utah’s boss – who launched a stinging attack on the officials.
BYU was still on the field celebrating when Utes athletic director Harlan made a surprise appearance in the press conference room.
“This game was absolutely stolen from us,” Harlan raged.
“We were excited about being in the Big 12, but tonight I am not.
“We won this game. Someone else stole it from us. Very disappointed.”
Harlan continued, “I will talk to the commissioner.
“This was not fair to our team.
“I’m disgusted by the professionalism of the officiating crew tonight.”
He then stormed out without taking questions or elaborating further on the officiating decisions.
BYU benefited from a late call when Utah cornerback Zemaiah Vaughn was called for holding with 1:29 to play.
The call negated a sack which would have ended the game, but instead BYU was allowed to continue the drive.
Will Ferrin then came in to kick a 44-yard field goal as time expired to seal a 22-21 victory.
BYU escaped with a win which improved their record to 9-0 this season.
The Cougars are ranked No. 9 in the nation in the race to make the 12-team playoff.
The winner of the Big 12 conference will be guaranteed a first-round playoff bye.
The playoffs begin on Friday, December 19 with the national championship game set for the third week of January.
“Whatever decision the refs make, I don’t think they’re trying to get it wrong,” BYU coach Kalani Sitake said.
“That’s just part of the game.
“The refs are part of the game.
“We were able to capitalize on that.”
