So I got a little bored recently and dug into some interesting rivalry numbers regarding pass interference during our losing streak.

In the 6 seasons BYU has lost to Utah, BYU has attempted 2,479 passes (not counting Utah games) and the opposing defense has been called for PI on 59 of those passes, meaning on average BYU is drawing one defensive PI for every 42 passes they throw.

Compare this with their rate against Utah. In the 6 games against Utah, BYU has attempted 274 passes, with only three defensive PIs being called against Utah (all in the Vegas bowl), which means when playing their rival BYU is getting a defensive PI called once every 91 throws.

This result naturally got my conspiracy radar humming, but I wanted to check the PI numbers from Utah's perspective as well. Maybe giving up a defensive PI once every 91 throws was in line with what they did against other teams. Guess what?

During the streak Utah has faced 2,371 passes from non-BYU foes and committed 45 PIs ... meaning Utah while on defense commits PI about once every 53 pass attempts. Except for when they play BYU, when they suddenly become impervious and only commit PI once every 91 pass attempts.

This is shocking to me. Utah on average commits pass interference half as often against BYU as they do other opponents? BYU draws pass interference against Utah half as often as they do other teams. Seems weird right? What's the takeaway?

Utah gets away with murder on defense?
Our WRs are bad at getting open, thereby eliminating the need for Utah to interfere?
We've had bad luck with officials?
Our WRs are bad at selling defensive PI?
Or is PI sample size inherently too small to form conclusive theories?

Thoughts?