When Utah sacked Jake Retzlaff with under two minutes to play in this weekend’s rivalry game, an official threw a defensive holding penalty that gave the Cougars new life. Instead of a turnover on downs, Retzlaff used his second chance to drive 65 yards into Utah territory and set up the game-winning field goal.

Rivalries spark emotions. Emotions change games, but BYU coach Kalani Sitake wasn't focused on that when talking this week about Saturday's game against Utah.

Kalani Sitake embraces the journey that has brought him full circle to lead his alma mater in a season marked by both remarkable success and deep-seated rivalry

While attending a funeral last summer, Kalani Sitake felt the emotions stir inside of him again. The Cougar football coach was thinking about life and loss. Sure. But he was also thinking about something else: the BYU-Utah rivalry game.

BYU has played five games against Utah in the Kalani Sitake era. Despite winning only one of those games, the “Holy War" has had some exciting finishes and iconic moments in just those five showdowns.

The BYU Cougars are still undefeated and atop the Big 12, but it took a late escape against arch rival Utah and one very controversial holding call that had Utes fans, coaches and even administrators irate.