This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Boulder, Colo. • Utah's football season, coined a "work in progress," by coach Kyle Whittingham, left one last reminder of how far the program must go before it can join the Pac-12's elite group of teams as Utah bumbled and stumbled its way to a 42-35 win here at Colorado.
Playing arguably the worst team in college football, the Utes struggled to stop an offense that averaged just 16.3 points and labored to move the ball against a defense that has given up an average of 46.4 points.
Hoping to at least win one road game this year and end the season in convincing manner, the Utes instead were almost humiliated by the Buffs for a second straight year.
If the Utes didn't consider their matchup against Colorado a rivalry, perhaps they will now considering the way the Buffs have played them.
Last year Colorado's 17-14 win in Salt Lake City ended Utah's hopes of advancing to the Pac-12 title game.
Friday's game would have rubbed salt into the wound.
Utah was saved from embarrassment when kick returner Reggie Dunn had his fourth 100-yard return, giving Utah a 42-35 lead with 5:29 to go.