Utah AD Delivers Shocking Rant, Questions Joining Big 12

Does Utah already regret joining the Big 12? Well, it certainly sounds like it if you listen to what their athletic director said after the Utes lost the “Holy War” to rival BYU on Saturday night.

Utah director of athletics Mark Harlan unleashed on the referees and his feelings about being in the Big 12 in general after the game. He literally said the game was “stolen” from Utah.

Utah Athletic Director Mark Harlan Post Game pic.twitter.com/eKjy4PpedU

— Elijah Grayson Murray (@elijahgmurray) November 10, 2024

“I’ve been an athletic director for 12 years. This game was absolutely stolen from us. We were happy to be in the Big 12, but after this we are not. I’m disgusted by the officiating crew tonight,” complained Harlan.

These shocking comments, especially coming from an athletic director, came as emotions were high following BYU’s 22-21 win. The win kept BYU undefeated and in position to reach the Big 12 Championship Game and in serious position for a bid to the College Football Playoff with or without a conference title.

But for Harlan’s program, the loss just further embodied a very disappointing season for a Utah team many predicted would dominate their new conference in their debut season. Utah is now 4-5 and 1-5 in Big 12 play.

Will Harlan attempt to backtrack from what he said after talking to Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark or double down in the coming days?

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