Fans react to Utah's defensive hiccups, Kaelin Clay's 'special' night


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SALT LAKE CITY — No one doubts senior Kaelin Clay anymore.

The junior college transfer took the field for the Utes for the first time Thursday night in a spectacular performance against visiting FCS opponent Idaho State. Clay essentially sealed his role as Utah’s go-to kick returner after taking back a punt for a 46-yard touchdown and a kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown.

Welcome to the University of Utah, Clay! He now has a punt return and kickoff return for a touchdown in the Utes vs. Idaho State game.

Welcome to the University of Utah Clay! He now has a punt return and kick off return for a touchdown in the Utes vs Idaho St. Game tonight. — Sports At Home (@SportsAtHomeSLC) August 29, 2014

> Not bad for the first time you ever touch the ball. [\#Utes](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Utes?src=hash) > > — Charles Barnard (@ccb1212) [August 29, 2014](https://twitter.com/ccb1212/statuses/505155447725101057)

> Clay is my pick for kick returner [\#Utes](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Utes?src=hash) > > — Matt Ingles (@ingles22) [August 29, 2014](https://twitter.com/ingles22/statuses/505155547755446272)

The strong showing on special teams all but guaranteed Utah’s future opponents will think twice before kicking it in Clay’s direction.

Kaelin Clay has just ensured that no team will ever kick to Utah for the rest of the season. Amazing. #Utes — Dan Sorensen (@DSorensen) August 29, 2014

Also showing up Thursday was Utah’s offense, particularly under the leadership of last year’s starting quarterback Travis Wilson. The junior quarterback finished that night going 13 of 18 for 265 yards and one touchdown in one half, all but shoring up that he’s bona fide starter for Utah. But the most impressive play of the day for Wilson came in the first quarter when he rushed for a 3-yard touchdown, leaping over defenders for the score in a Superman-like flight.

How can we lose when we have Superman and Batman on our team? #Utes — Cole (@coleswan) August 29, 2014

SWEET MERCY TRAVIS WILSON #Utes#GoUtes — Derek Alan Siddoway (@D_Sidd) August 29, 2014

Also garnering some attention was defensive end Nate Orchard, running back Devontae Booker and receiver Dres Anderson. Orchard ended the game with eight total tackles and 2.5 sacks but looked like a dominant force of the defensive side of the ball.

Nate orchard gonna be a stud for Utah this year and in the NFL. Paul kreuger times 100 #utes — BDD (@bdd4life) August 28, 2014

Utah DE Nate Orchard is a candidate to lead Pac-12 in sacks. Got 1 already. — Ted Miller (@TedMillerRK) August 28, 2014

Booker made a name for himself as a potential starter at running back, with 10 carries for 78 yards and two touchdowns. Returning back Bubba Poole was serviceable, but Booker was the most flashy. Anderson ended the night with four catches for 111 yards.

This isn't even a game anymore. Devontae Booker practically waltzes into the end zone. Utes up 42-7. — Lafe Peavler (@LafePeavler) August 29, 2014

Early on in the game, the defense had its struggles, allowing the Idaho State offense to score two touchdowns in a relatively easy fashion. The inability to tackle and read the offense left the defense scrambling for breath.

Um hey defense, wake up! #Utes — Brandon Fleming (@murphy1118) August 28, 2014

If the #Utes defense plays like this during Pac12 play, it's going to be an awfully long season. — Todd G Barrow (@toddgbarrow) August 29, 2014

I am embarrassed for this #utes defense. A high school team is running all over them. #pac10.2 #idahostatefootball — Robbie Haskell (@HasRo24) August 29, 2014

Holy crap. Our defense is horrific! Our linebackers and defensive backs are lost. Swear words! #Utes — Sam Carter (@sgcarter1804) August 29, 2014

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