This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Final; Washington State 28, Utah 27
The Utah fans who endured a wet start in this Pac-12 opener go home soggy and disappointed. What it looked like early was a quality win over a conference foe. What it became was a disaster, as the Utes allowed a 21-point comeback to fall on their own field and start out Pac-12 play 0-1.
It's more of the same in Salt Lake City.
A promising start gave way to an offensive malaise. Even gifted 14 points by defense and special teams, the offense couldn't build on that success. Travis Wilson was under pressure, and he also struggled to connect with his receivers all over the field. Shockingly, Dres Anderson didn't record a catch, even when he had opportunities to make some.
Utah had a chance to come back, but couldn't make it work. This offense has some serious issues to work on, and UCLA looms. The shine of a 3-0 start has officially worn off.
***
Q4 3:28; Washington State 28, Utah 27
The collapse is complete, but the game isn't — not yet.
Utah's defense gave up a home run play — with a missed tackle by freshman Marcus Williams — to Washington State, completing a Cougar comeback from 21 points down. It's a staggering indictment for the program itself, but mainly for the offense, which hasn't been able to build on the gifts the defense and special teams have given. There's a fresh Utah drive right now that will determine Utah's fate in this game. If it goes south, this one could be over.
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Q4 7:23; Utah 27, Washington State 21
It's a game.
After carrying the load most of the way, Utah's defense may have reached a breaking point. For a second time in this game, Utah has allowed Connor Halliday to throw a touchdown on a fourth-down play. The secondary hole got exposed there: Marcus Williams lost his man on the coverage, then slipped as he tried to close the gap.
Utah is now only leading by 6 after leading by 21. The offensive effort shoulders a lot of responsibility here. It's score or bust on this next drive, because Washington State looks like its offense is good to go for at least a few more drives.
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Q4 15:00; Utah 24, Washington State 14
Let's mark it down: Devontae Booker is the starting running back.
He's proven it with his 76-yard run, but also with his other 18 runs so far. He has 166 yards on the ground, and although there isn't much offense around him, he's been consistently leaning forward, scrambling through tackles, and staying on his feet. It's been a big day for him, and Bubba Poole has been nowhere to be found in this half so far.
Utah could use some help through the air to keep Washington State from stacking the box, but Booker is definitely doing his part.
***
Q3 6:00; Utah 24, Washington State 14
A team only has so many chances to close a game out, and Utah had a few. But a fumble by Kaelin Clay gave up an important opportunity for the Utes, and now Washington State is rolling back.
Utah is having trouble at this point in the game getting consistent pressure, and Halliday is finding his groove. On an eight-play, 61-yard drive, the Cougars were able to get yards after the catch and slice through Utah's defense just enough to drive the ball. Then Utah couldn't cover all its bases in the secondary, giving up a touchdown pass.
The Utes need an offense. Badly. If they're unable to sustain a drive in this quarter, it could be a single-digit game here before long.
***
Q3 9:33; Utah 24, Washington State 7
Utah's offensive struggles continue, and even though the running game is picking up, Utah's one dimensional nature is hurting them.
It's wet out there for sure, but that can't explain away the Utes' combined 10-for-22 night with 86 yards through the air. The last drive stalled when Kendal Thompson threw a dangerous looking incompletion to the sideline. Notably, we haven't seen Dres Anderson catch one pass.
Where the attack is lagging, the defense picks up slack again — which is what we saw last week. Utah has given up first downs and runs, but hasn't gotten beaten big a lot tonight. Justin Thomas made a huge pass breakup on fourth down to earn a turnover on downs and win the ball back for the offense.
The burning question is this: Can Utah do something with the ball this time?
***
Halftime; Utah 24, Washington State 7
The Utes still have a two touchdown lead in this game with 30 minutes to go, and the big reason is explosive plays. They've had just a handful, but it gave them a three-touchdown advantage to work with.
The end of the half was a gritty test for both sides of the ball. Washington State found some movement on offense, scoring a fourth down touchdown when Utah couldn't get pressure on Halliday and allowed him to pickthe defense apart.
You could argue the only reason it isn't closer is Gionni Paul, who grabbed his second pick in as many games. It was a huge momentum killer, and the Utes hope these turnovers keep coming after being a weakness last year.
The offense managed to do something at the end of the half as well. The key was Devontae Booker, who helped drive the Utes down into field goal range to give Andy Phillips a crack at a 46-yarder before halftime. Kenneth Scott was also key to setting up the good position with a few clutch sideline catches.
A huge problem is penalties: Utah has seven costing them 73 yards in the first half, with numerous offensive line calls. Over the last two games, protection has been a big weakness for Utah. It's notable that the last two teams have been Power 5 competition.
***
Q2 9:35; Utah 21, Washington State 0
Speaking of offenses that need to show up — where is Utah's?
Since Devontae Booker rumbled 76 yards for a touchdown, there's been nary a peep from the Travis Wilson-led attack. The offense has accounted for a net one-yard loss in the second quarter.
A big issue is pass protection. Wilson has been scrambling a lot behind a leaky offensive line. There's a definite issue there, and Utah needs to either buy Wilson more time to operate or give him shorter attempts to work with. Washington State's pressure from last week appears to be the real deal.
Then again, the run game needs a spark. Booker's one run accounts for all but 13 yards in the running game.
This offense looks a lot like the one we saw against Michigan, finding occasional big moments but not consistently moving. Utah has to find an answer for this malaise to really shut the door on the Cougars.
***
Q2 12:10; Utah 21, Washington State 0
Nothing is doing for the Washington State offense, which has moved the ball a bit, but can't get results.
Give tons of credit to the Utah defense. Although the Utes have been caught offguard by som Gerard Wicks and Jamal Morrow runs, they've done a good job staying in front of the ball, making tackles in slick conditions, and not letting the big plays break out.
Pressure has also been strong: Jason Fanaika sacked Connor Halliday on the last drive. It's a well-rounded effort so far from Utah, continuing a trend of solid starts. By the time the Cougars offense gets in rhythm, it could be too late to make this game interesting — if it ever gets going at all.
***
Q2 15:00; Utah 21, Washington State 0
The Utes have long been seen as a blue-collar, physical program, but we're seeing something today that we haven't seen consistently in the Pac-12 era: explosiveness.
If the first 10 minutes of this game aren't evidence that Utah has its most explosive team of the last four seasons, nothing else could be.
Rowe's tip to himself for a TD interception return. Clay's switchback for a punt return TD. And now Devontae Booker's huge touchdown run. Fans have been pounding the table for more Booker, and after that play, in which he rode a blocking caravan down the field, they'll get more of him.
Utah is showing explosiveness in every phase of the game. They've taken great pains to bring in better athletes to suit the Pac-12 level. And it's paying off huge for the team in the first quarter.
***
Q1 6:47; Utah 14, Washington State 0
There are some great mysteries in our universe: Why are we here? Is there more life beyond Earth?
Why do teams insist on kicking to Kaelin Clay?
The special teams ace did it again, returning his third punt for a touchdown this season. Punt and kick returns are must-see events for Utah fans.
With the return, Clay has tied the program's season record for TD punt returns (3), previously held by current Baltimore Raven Steve Smith. That's mighty efficient work.
It's worth noting that Utah leads by two touchdowns, and the offense hasn't had to lift a finger. That was the key in the Michigan game, and we might be seeing Utah's formula for success crystalizing right now.
***
Q1 10:01; Utah 7, Washington State 0
Just what we all thought: A defensive battle.
Eric Rowe has given us all the scoring so far, tipping a pass and catching it for an 11-yard touchdown return. The Utes have four interceptions in five quarters after getting none in the first two games. That's a big play for Rowe, who isn't generally seen as a ballhawk.
The Utes showed fortitude at the start, allowing a first down but then forcing the Wazzu offense to punt. Jared Norris, who put tons of pressure on Michigan's quarterbacks last week, picked up a third-down sack of Connor Halliday. Now the Utes already have one more sack than they did last year.
Unfortunately for the home team, the lack of offense is affecting both sides. The Utes drove down as close as WSU's 26 yard line, but was hit by a penalty thanks to a late hit by Kenneth Scott. Travis Wilson was sacked immediately after.
Utah's defense might need to lead it out of another one, if these first possessions are any indication.
***
Pregame
One word about this match-up: ponchos.
Bring one. Seriously.
Utah (3-0) hosts Washington State (1-3, 0-1) tonight for a 6 p.m. kickoff televised on Pac-12 Networks. If you're one of the folks who has tickets to this Pac-12 opener, prepare to be waterlogged: The forecast tells us it could rain all night, and the possibility of another lightning delay is hanging over this game.
It will be interesting to see what effect the weather could have on the game, especially with the nation's No. 1 passing attack trying to attack its way out of an early rut. Utah's offense may rely more on the run, with Devontae Booker and Bubba Poole in the fold. With slick turf, ball security may be a key factor in this game.
Utah is looking to continue a three-game winning streak, as well as win its Pac-12 opener for the first time. The Cougars have been prolific in the air, but the Utes hope to counter that effort with quarterback pressure: The team is No. 2 nationally in sacks and tackles for a loss.
The offense is hoping to rebound from a week in which it scored only one offensive touchdown. But they were successful in special teams last week on a similarly rainy game, as Pac-12 special teams player of the week Andy Phillips went 4-for-5 on field goal attempts.
Some need-to-know info for fans: In the event of a lightning strike eight miles or closer to the stadium, the game will be suspended for at least 30 minutes. If thunderstorms roll in, we could be in for a late one.
— Kyle Goon