In below freezing temperatures Saturday the Utah Utes overcame a 14 point deficit to defeat the Colorado State Rams in Fort Collins, Colorado. Utah quarterback Terrance Cain had one of his best games completing 24 of 32 for 248 yards and two touchdowns. His performance was largely overshadowed by senior safety Robert Johnson. "Rojo" intercepted Colorado State quarterback Grant Stucker 3 different times including one that stopped Colorado State's game tying drive.
David Reed led the Utes with 140 receiving yards on just 9 receptions, including a 45 yard touchdown pass in the 4th quarter. Running back Eddie Wide filled in nicely for injured Matt Asiata with102 rushing yards on 17 carries with 2 touchdowns rushing and receiving. Dion Morton had a good game catching 5 passes for 106 yards and a touchdown.
Colorado State was led by senior quarterback Grant Stucker who completed 50% of his passes for 187 yards and a touchdown. Leonard Mason rushed for a career-high 130 yards with one touchdown on the day.
The Utes suffered another blow to their running back depth when newly converted running back Shaky Smithson went down in the first half with an ankle injury after rushing for 24 yards. With Matt Asiata out for the season and Sausan Shakerin still having injury problems as well this could pose as a big problem to the Utes.
The Utes scored 14 points while holding Colorado State scoreless in the fourth quarter. The Utes showed poise in this win, something that they had much of last season. They converted on 6 of 6 third downs in the fourth quarter. With this win the Utes have moved back into the AP top 25 and are currently ranked #24.
The Utah offense seemingly was in control but was unable to get points on the board. The real question for Utah is that it seems they play their best offense with the play book opened up more when the Utes are down. What happens when they play TCU who has a great defense or BYU with their offense? The Utes need a game where they get up big and blow out an opponent, rather then coming from behind.
Highlights from The Mtn.