Particle.news
Download on the App Store
4 ARTICLES
·
last mo.

Utah Defends Analytics-Driven Fourth-Down Calls After BYU Loss

Coaches cite a freshman kicker’s long-range inconsistency as the factor that tipped an on‑the‑cusp choice.

Image
Utah Utes place kicker Dillon Curtis (17) prepares to kick a field goal during a game against Texas Tech University held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.
Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham yells at the officials after no penalty was called after Utah running back Wayshawn Parker (1) was shoved by BYU defensive tackle John Taumoepeau (55) at BYU and Utah play at Lavell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.

Overview

  • Kyle Whittingham said Utah’s fourth-down decisions were guided by analytics that value touchdowns over field goals in the red zone.
  • On fourth-and-7 from BYU’s 28, a BYU timeout preceded Dillon Curtis’ practice kick that sailed wide right, prompting Utah to go for it and fail to convert.
  • Whittingham noted the kick-versus-go model was close before the practice miss, referencing season struggles specifically from the 45–46 yard range.
  • Special teams issues also hurt Utah, including a muffed punt by Mana Carvalho and multiple return penalties that flipped field position and preceded BYU points.
  • Special teams coordinator Sharrieff Shah said Utah still backs Curtis but needs more practice consistency on intermediate kicks and greater discipline on return units.