The Utah Utes suffered a difficult loss last night to the BYU Cougars in a game where the Utes arguably should have won barring a penalty.
The Utes held a lead over the BYU Cougars, the top Big 12 Conference program this season, before a crucial penalty was called. With less than two-minutes left to play, the Utes were controversially called for holding on a fourth-down sack that would have ended the game. The penalty resulted in a fairly easy field goal for the Cougars, which also resulted in a win for the Cougars and a frustrating loss for the Utes.
In a shocking turn of events, the Utah Utes athletic director Mark Harlan took the stand to speak with the media regarding the loss. Typically, the coach and the top players on the team are the ones who speak with the media following a game, and an athletic director rarely ever does so.
Harlan was extremely critical of both the Big 12 Conference referees as well as the professionalism of the conference. The athletic director believed the referees lacked professionalism after making such a controversial call that proved to be pivotal as well. Harlan also believed the conference officials were in a similar boat for allowing such a call to occur.
Harlan stated, “Usually, I am very happy to be a part of the Big 12 Conference, but I am not happy to be part of the Big 12 today.” Harlan also stated he was “disgusted” and felt the game was “absolutely stolen” from the Utes.
The Utah Utes players briefly met with Harlan following the game, which led to the athletic director speaking with the media following the loss. Harlan was swiftly fined $40,000 by the Big 12 Conference for his comments, a hefty sum for such actions based on past fines and comments.
Where do the Utah Utes go Following a Drop to 4-5 on the 2024 Season?
Not only did the loss sting, but it also might have a lasting effect on the morale of the Utah Utes players moving forward.
As much as Harlan felt the call was controversial, as well as the Utah Utes fans, the defensive back pulled on the right shoulder pad of the receiver. What Harlan did was equally as unprofessional as the controversial call he felt did not go his way. While Harlan stated he did so after seeing how upset his players were, this move likely will only affect the team more.
Utah AD Mark Harlan has exposed himself as an unprofessional clown for that behavior.
As an AD you have to show a certain level of professionalism and waving your finger in the face of an official after you lost on a live TV is extremely unprofessional.
Big 12 should fine him. pic.twitter.com/Z5R5cUO1YH
— Wilson F. Ball, CFB Analyst (@WillyFoosball) November 10, 2024
The Utah Utes are currently 4-5 and have lost countless games this season in similar manners where minor errors proved to be costly. Four out of the five losses the Utes have suffered this season have been by just one score. The Utes appear to play down to the level of their opponent this season since the team often struggles when their opponent does as well.
For example, the TCU Horned Frogs played below average on both sides of the ball against the Utes. Utah also happened to do the same, and each team can confidently say it was the worst game of the season. Since the pair of losses to Arizona and Arizona State, the Utes have not been the same and continue to fall on a downward trend.
With just three games left against two ranked opponents, securing bowl eligibility seems very unlikely for the Utes.
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