Twitter ignites from Utah's nail-biting come-from-behind win over USC


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SALT LAKE CITY — Pouring rain and chilly temperatures didn’t stop Troy Williams from fighting the Trojan War at Rice-Eccles Stadium Friday night.

Williams led the Utes 94 yards for the game-winning drive to pull off a comeback win and keep an undefeated season alive. Not only did the play make the stadium erupt in cheers, but Twitter lit up with excitement.

Down 27-17 in the fourth quarter, Utah (4-0, 1-0 Pac-12) scored 14 unanswered points to boost its score over USC (1-3, 0-2). Williams found Tim Patrick for 18 yards to secure a touchdown with 16 seconds remaining, earning his second 100-yard receiving game this year.

To get the game going, Utah’s defense did what it does best by forcing a turnover. The offense capitalized on the opportunity and travelled 59 yards downfield with 12 plays to put seven points on the board. The highlight of the drive was head coach Kyle Whittingham’s OK to go for it on fourth-and-one.

Although it was the first Utah fourth down conversion of the night, it certainly wasn’t the last. Whittingham trusted his team and watched it convert all four of its fourth down attempts.

After the Utes’ first score, the Trojans were quick to even the points. Adoree Jackson returned Utah's kickoff 100 yards, marking his third career kickoff return for a touchdown and second of 100 yards.

From there, the Trojans had the advantage most of the game, but Utah didn't lack exhilarating plays. Offensive lineman Isaac Asiata scored his first career touchdown. Armand Shyne, who finished with 62 yards on 14 carries, rushed the ball from the one-yard line, but fumbled the ball. After a dogpile mess, Asiata came up with the ball in the end zone and cut USC’s lead to 24-17 near the end of the third quarter.

The Utes showed off a couple of trick plays, including a reverse to receiver Cory Butler-Byrd to move the chains 15 yards. But even more impressive on the play was offensive lineman Garett Bolles’ block. It ignited excitement from the fans.

Starting Pac-12 play is always nerve wrecking, but the Utes are off to a 1-0 start to the hefty schedule. This tweet seems to sum up exactly how Utah fans felt throughout the night and likely the rest of the season.

Up next for the Utes is a road trip to see the California Golden Bears (2-1) Saturday, Oct. 1. The game is scheduled to kickoff at 4:00 p.m. MT. and air on Pac-12 Network.

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