Grading No. 23 Utah's 20-14 win over Colorado


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SALT LAKE CITY — Utah finished the season with its best record ever in the Pac-12, beating Colorado 20-14 Saturday. The following is a grading of Utah's performance in the win.

Offense: C+

The offense came out strong, distributing the ball well among the receivers and doing well in mixing up the run and pass game. But as the game progressed, Utah's offense lost its edge and stalled. Had it not been for the defensive effort at the end of the game, it's questionable whether Utah's offense could have challenged a comeback against the Buffaloes.

Quarterback Travis Wilson had his ups and downs and finished throwing for 108 yards and one touchdown on 10-of-26 passing. It wasn't Wilson's best performance of the season. Running back Joe Williams, though, made up for the offense, rushing for 187 yards and one touchdown on 34 carries, including a 64-yard run down the sideline.

Defense: A

The defense played a great game and willed Utah to a win. The defense collected four turnovers, including three interceptions from Gionni Paul, Marcus Williams and Cory Butler-Byrd. Jared Norris, too, got in on the action and recovered a fumble. But Viliseni Fauonuku may have had the best night sacking Colorado quarterbacks four times and forcing a fumble. Fauonuku finished the game with seven total tackles, four sacks for 31 yards, four tackles for loss, and a forced fumble.

Also having a great night was senior linebacker Gionni Paul, who led the team with 13 total tackles, one interception and one pass breakup.

Special teams: B-

Kylie Fitts was instrumental early in blocking a field goal on Colorado's first drive. The block set up Utah with some momentum going into its opening drive, which ended with a touchdown to Kenneth Scott. Andy Phillips had a strong night, making two field goals from distances of 37 yards and 27 yards.

However, Boobie Hobbs kept Utah from having a strong day on special teams as he fumbled several returns, including one that set up up Colorado for its first score of the game. All in all, the special teams effort was good, but Hobbs struggled to hold onto the ball.

Coaching: A-

The coaching staff called a decent game and put Utah in position to handily beat Colorado. The defense, in particular, was dialed in and contain Colorado in much of its game. On offense, the play-calling was there and diverse, but the production was nonexistent from the various playmakers.

Overall: B+

Considering all the injuries Utah has sustained this season, it's a solid win to close out the regular season. Was it perfect? Far from it, but it wasn't horrible, and a win is a win. Utah has roughly a month now to heal up from its injuries and address some of its offensive woes. The season was a success.

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Josh Furlong

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