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ANN ARBOR, Michigan — Utah needed a big road win over Michigan to show it has taken a step in improving in the conference. And that’s exactly what Utah did behind a tough defensive effort, winning 26-10.
While the game wasn’t perfect for Utah, it was Kaelin Clay that got the Utes rolling after a 66-yard punt return in the second quarter. The return is Clay’s third touchdown in six return attempts, and an exciting aspect to the game for Utah fans.
Clay is the next Devin Hester! #Utes — Not Danny (@DanielDeBry) September 20, 2014
So happy that Kaelin is doing well for the Utes. He's making the most of his final year — Josh (@jtoyo562) September 20, 2014
Clay had to have a little fun with the touchdown as he struck his Heisman pose.
Utah's Kaelin Clay returns a punt for a TD and then busts out the Heisman pose in @DesmondHoward's house. Wow! pic.twitter.com/kKPHHrUaW0 — Sean Merriman (@BTNSean) September 20, 2014
Utah thought it would have a tragedy on its hands when quarterback Travis Wilson made a poor decision to leap over some defenders as he attempted to run out of bounds. Wilson landed on his head and Utah fans seemingly let out a collective gasp in fear of another injury.
There are football injuries and foolish injuries. That was foolish, Travis. #Utes — Jon Siddoway (@JSiddoway) September 20, 2014
> Wilson, what the heck are you doing? [\#Utes](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Utes?src=hash) need you > > — james nichols (@nickbad) [September 20, 2014](https://twitter.com/nickbad/status/513425136330874880)
Fortunately, Wilson returned to the game to start the second half after being taken to the locker room to get checked out. In the second half, Utah quickly distanced themselves from Michigan and put the game out of reach for the Wolverines.
That is how you open a second half on the road! Nice work, #Utes! — Devin @ TBS (@TornByDevin) September 20, 2014
> The [\#Utes](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Utes?src=hash) offense runs a lot better with Wilson at the helm... It's crazy how much more efficient they are with him [\#UTAHvsMICH](https://twitter.com/hashtag/UTAHvsMICH?src=hash) > > — Sing :)) (@MasterSingy) [September 20, 2014](https://twitter.com/MasterSingy/status/513440780950994945)
And much of the offensive credit goes to Andy Phillips, who continues to show he can kick the ball from anywhere on the field, making a 47-yard field goal and then following it up with a 50-yard field goal.
Phillips continues to be money for #Utah as he nails a 48-yarder to give the Utes a 23-10 lead over #Michigan in... http://t.co/R5qGBTVKqW — The Majors Ann Arbor (@TheMajorsA2) September 20, 2014
> I don't always make guarantees, but when I do, Andy Phillips. [\#GoUtes](https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoUtes?src=hash) > > — Utes In The NFL (@UtesInTheNFL) [September 20, 2014](https://twitter.com/UtesInTheNFL/status/513450090875215872)
The defense, though, deserved much of the credit for Utah’s win, with Nate Orchard, Gionni Paul, Jared Norris, Brian Blechen and Tevin Carter, among others, that kept Michigan from the red zone all game.
The addition of Gionni Paul to the defense has been huge. He's a mean, playmaking linebacker. Straight up. #Utes — Jon Siddoway (@JSiddoway) September 20, 2014
> Nate Orchard is sooo good! [\#Utes](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Utes?src=hash) > > — James Cook (@jamesinchicago) [September 20, 2014](https://twitter.com/jamesinchicago/status/513442925544341504)
> [\#Blechen](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Blechen?src=hash) is making plays today! Defense might have to win this game today!?!? [\#Utes](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Utes?src=hash) > > — Vincent (@VinnyTheBlade) [September 20, 2014](https://twitter.com/VinnyTheBlade/status/513429505684566016)
Unfortunately for Michigan, none of the preseason hype that surrounded the Pac 12 had anything to do with the Utah Utes. — Mike Jelline (@MikeJelline) September 20, 2014
