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TUCSON, Arizona — For the fourth consecutive season, Utah has fallen short to a tough Arizona program, losing 37-30 in double overtime. Had Utah capitalized, the program could have found itself as the only remaining Pac-12 able to have a shot at the College Football Playoffs.
Utah, though, failed to contain Arizona's rushing attack and fell victim to a program needing the win to become bowl eligible on senior night. The following are some takeaways in Utah's loss.
Penalties killed the Utes
Utah struggled to contain Arizona early on, but much of their trouble came as a result of needless penalties. On Arizona's first drive, Justin Thomas picked off quarterback Anu Solomon, but the play was called back for a pass interference and a roughing the passer personal foul. That was the beginning of the end for Utah as the penalties mounted.
Utah finished the game with 10 penalties for 112 yards. The following are some of the biggest momentum killers:
- The aforementioned pass interference and personal foul early — set Arizona up for a field goal.
- Dominique Hatfield called for a pass interference; Marcus Williams called for late hit personal foul — set Arizona up for a touchdown.
- Chop block called on J.J. Dielman forcing Utah into 2nd and 25 territory and negated first down — set up a 34-yard Utah field goal.
- Harrison Handley called for offensive pass interference after Utah secured a first down late in the fourth quarter — Utah forced to punt.
While one penalty did not lose the game for Utah, it was the collective penalties that killed Utah's momentum and ability to overcome Arizona's rushing attack.
Offensive creativity is lacking
The offense has become predictable and vanilla. It's one thing to be a run-first offense, but there is little confidence in the passing game 10 games into the season. Sure, Travis Wilson found Harrison Handley for a 59-yard pass, but those types of plays are few and far between. Utah lacks a deep threat receiver and it shows.
Wilson is doing the best with what he's got, but he doesn't have a guy he can count on to go deep and get the separation needed to beat Pac-12 defensive backs. Utah needs another Dres Anderson-type player that can give the offense some life. Kenneth Scott is great at getting the jump ball, but he's not capable of beating defenders consistently.
Defensive struggles
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Utah's defense has been a major factor this season and has kept opposing teams under their scoring averages. But Arizona has been Utah's kryptonite the last four years, and it showed Saturday night. Anu Solomon gashed the defense for much of the night until he left the game with a supposed concussion.
Solomon rushed for 86 yards and one touchdown on 10 carries, and threw for 277 yards and two touchdowns on 17-of-27 passing. His ability to beat Utah's defense in all facets of the game was noticeable and one of the biggest contributing factors in Utah having trouble containing the Wildcats.
Gionni Paul, a leader of the defense for his tackling ability and overall energy, was relatively absent all game and only had two tackles in the loss. The secondary struggled to contain Arizona receivers in man-to-man coverage and it seemed the defensive line over-pursued Solomon, allowing the Wildcats to make big plays.
