(BCSNN) — No. 19 BYU made clutch plays on both sides of the ball to outlast No. 23 Utah 24–21 on Saturday night at LaVell Edwards Stadium. The Cougars jumped out to a 10–0 lead and responded to a fourth-quarter deficit with 14 unanswered points, including a 22-yard touchdown run by quarterback Bear Bachmeier on third-and-11.

The defense sealed the win with two late stops, preserving BYU’s unbeaten record.

With the victory, BYU improved to 7–0 for the third time under head coach Kalani Sitake and for the second straight season—a first in program history. The Cougars have now started 7–0 in six different seasons and extended their win streak over Utah to three games, the longest run in the rivalry since 1989–92.

Running back LJ Martin delivered his fifth 100-yard game of the season, rushing for 122 yards. Chase Roberts extended his reception streak to 33 consecutive games and added a 26-yard catch, while Bachmeier threw for 166 yards and a touchdown. Parker Kingston and Carsen Ryan each hauled in four receptions.

BYU’s defense came through in the clutch, with Faletau Satuala leading the way with 12 tackles and Tanner Wall adding 10. Wall also recorded his second interception of the season, halting a Utah drive in the fourth quarter. Max Alford and Hunter Clegg each notched their first career sacks, and Jack Kelly added his fifth of the year, bringing his career total to 26.5.

The Cougars held Utah to 21 points and closed out the game with a fourth-down stop in the final minutes. BYU (7–0, 4–0 Big 12) remains atop the conference standings and continues one of the strongest starts in program history