Utes win ugly game against Colorado 20-14

Utah managed to hold on for the win, finishing the contest 20-14.

Colorado (4-8, 1-7) has not had the same success since also joining the Pac-12 in 2011.

“The first six weeks the emotions were very good, you know everyone was excited, then we had a setback against USC”, said Utah Coach Kyle Whittingham, recalling a 42-24 loss to the Trojans on October 24. “The biggest disappointment was not being able to get one of those last two prior to this game which would’ve really given us the outright championship and the chance to go to the Pac-12 championship game next week, so that was tough to take. Fortunately they get to play together one more time and try to get our 10th win”.

It’s been the difference in a handful of games this year – and in a season when two more wins would have had the Buffs playing for bowl eligibility today, that’s a significant difference. It’s no secret the Utes aren’t the same team without running back Devontae Booker, who started the season on lots of folks’ Heisman Trophy watch list.

On offense, Joe Williams bounced back from an early fumble and rushed for 187 yards on 34 carries.

The defense did their part, holding the Utes to just 20 points and limiting quarterback Travis Wilson to just 108 yards through the air on 10 of 28 but the offense, which featured three different quarterbacks (including linebacker Jaleel Awini) was never able to capitalize only mustering 14 points and scoring on just one of their three trips to the red zone.

Colorado quarterback Cade Apsay threw for 145 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions before leaving the game late in the second quarter with an injury.

On CU’s next offensive snap, Apsay threw a deep pass that was tipped and intercepted. Wide receiver Nelson Spruce, the Pac-12’s all-time receptions leader, will need a huge game to keep Colorado in it. Neither team is ranked, the Buffalos are out of the bowl picture and the Utes are out of Pac-12 championship contention.

“Definitely an emotional time, but I was glad to get a win in our last game here”, Wilson said. “I couldn’t be more thankful and happier for all of the seniors on this team and us just going out the right way”. Colorado marched down to the Utah 8-yard line on its opening drive.

Colorado’s lone seven points of the first half came after Boobie Hobbs fumbled a punt and the Buffaloes recovered on the Utah 33.

Colorado pulled within a possession with 4:13 remaining in regulation when Jordan Gehrke connected with Phillip Lindsay in the flat for a 16-yard touchdown.

Utah used a 13-play, 68-yard drive finished by a five-yard Williams touchdown to take a 17-7 lead on the first possession of the second half.

Whittingham said the next step for his program is improving depth. Teams that had beaten us like a drum the four previous years. That’s a good thing.

That leaves both with an eye on the future while trying to end 2015 on a high note.