There is only one word that can describe the 2006 edition of the Holy War in which BYU was victorious 33-31 on Saturday.

Classic.

"This game rates right up there in the top three four or five all time," said Utah coach Kyle Whittingham. "There was last year's overtime game, the one where (Utah) hit the goal post and just so many. As far as fan excitment, this was near the top."

"It was a classic game," said Utah's Eric Weddle. "It was a tough game to lose, but it was a great game to play in and be a part of."

Much like the USC-Notre Dame game in 2005, this ball game came down to one drive and one play at the end of the game, as John Beck hit Jonny Harline in the end zone as time expired.

"(BYU's John) Beck made a play," Weddle said. "We dropped eight into coverage and Beck pumped it three or four times and found the open guy.

"Give him a lot of credit. In a way I'm kinda proud for Beck, because he finally won a game for his team. For three years there have been a lot of critics that have questioned his ability to finish games and he did it tonight."

For Whittingham it was the resilience of his football team that he was most proud of after the Utes fell behind early 14-0.

"There is no quit in this team," Whittingham said. "We rely on each other and just keep fighting the whole time.

"We fought our hearts out tonight. We still have the bowl game to play, but I couldn't be more proud of my football team."

The Utah defense held BYU to 429 total yards, nearly 50 yards under the Utes' 474. Weddle, along with safety Steve Tate, led the Utes on the defensive side of the ball.

"The defense played a great game," said Utah quarterback Brett Ratliff. "I'm proud of the whole team, and it's hard to play so well and come up short."

Ratliff was 24-for-39 for 358 yards and three touchdowns, the most significat coming on a 19-yard pass to Brent Casteel to put the Utes on top 31-27, setting up BYU's final drive.

"When the play was called I felt like it was going to be a touchdown," Casteel said. "We caught (BYU) in a blitz package and I knew that all I had to do was catch the ball and put it in the end zone."

During the game, emotions ran high as there were a few personal foul penaties and taunting back and forth.

"This is a heated rivalry," Tate said. "I grew up in Utah and this is my life. This is heartbreaker for the seniors."

Up next for the Utes is a bowl game, they just don't know where.

"We should find out where we are going and who we play every soon," Whittingham said. "Whoever it is our football team will be ready and excited to play."

Phillip Morgan can be reached at pmorgan@heraldextra.com or at 344-2550.

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This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page B3.