Utah forces 5 early turnovers, holds on for Las Vegas Bowl victory over BYU

The Holy War rivalry between Utah and BYU has produced some incredible drama in the past, but Saturday's edition in the Las Vegas Bowl might be the wildest yet.

Utah raced out to a 35-0 lead off five Cougars turnovers in their first five possessions, and then held on for dear life as BYU staged a furious comeback, scoring 28 unanswered to cut Utah's lead to seven with four minutes to play.

The comeback fell just short, though, as Utah was able to run out the clock and spoil Bronco Mendenhall's final game as Cougars coach.

Here's What You Need to Know:

• The 35 points Utah posted in the first half - on 76 yards, its lowest total of the year - were the most in an opening half for the Utes this season.
• BYU became just the second FBS team in the last 10 years to commit turnovers on each of its first five drives.
• Tanner Mangum threw three interceptions for the first time in his young career, but rebounded from the disastrous start to total 315 yards and two touchdowns.
• Joe Williams was the lone bright spot on a putrid Utah offense, running for 91 yards and two scores.
• With the win, Utes coach Kyle Whittingham improved his bowl record to 9-1, the best winning percentage in FBS history.
• Mendenhall now leaves for Virginia after posting a 99-43 record over 11 years with BYU.

Play Of The Game

Five turnovers in five possessions to start the game was an absolute nightmare for BYU, with none more devastating than Tevin Carter's 28-yard interception return to put Utah up 14-0.

Utah finishes the season 10-3, while BYU ends the campaign at 9-4. With Mendenhall heading to the ACC and the Utes losing some key seniors, both teams could look drastically different in 2016.

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