CORVALLIS, Ore. — Utah became bowl eligible following a 19-14 win over Oregon State Saturday, despite a less-than-stellar effort.

The following is a grading of Utah’s performance in the win.

Offense: C-

The offense took a step back Saturday as the passing game failed to develop all game. Quarterback Troy Williams struggled in his effort, finishing 4-of-13 for 42 yards, which is the lowest in Utah’s six years in the Pac-12. He did, however, add 40 rushing yards and a touchdown on 15 carries. Williams also fumbled the ball twice, losing it once.

It would be easy to say the weather had an impact, but in the second half the weather was a non-issue and Utah still struggled to get anything going in the passing game. Additionally, Utah’s inability to convert in the red zone continues to be a problem.

Coming into the game, the run game was a worry, with Utah forced to bring Joe Williams out of retirement to have any semblance of an offense. In the first half, Joe Williams had a great showing and became Utah’s second running back this season to rush for over 100 yards in a game this season.

Williams finished the night with 179 yards and one touchdown on 34 carries. Williams averaged 5.3 yards per carry to lead the team. Cory Butler-Byrd, who has been used as a receiver for much of the season, was utilized as a hybrid back Saturday and had success as well. Butler-Byrd averaged 5.4 yards per carry and finished with 54 yards on 10 carries.

Defense: B

For much of the game, Utah’s defense did a great job and kept Oregon State from moving the ball. The Beavers had 1 passing yard through three quarters and only managed occasional chunk plays in the run game.

In the second half, however, Utah’s defense played soft and allowed Oregon State to have some momentum, allowing for a touchdown and more than 100 yards rushing. The Beavers added to that in the fourth quarter with 99 yards passing and nearly 50 yards rushing.

Safety Chase Hansen led the team in tackles with eight, and had one sack and two tackles for loss. Hansen also had an interception in the first quarter that was returned for 24 yards.

Special Teams: A

Despite the windy conditions, Utah’s special teams did well. Punter Mitch Wishnowsky averaged 42.2 yards per punt on five punts and had two punts downed inside the 20-yard line, including one that was downed at the 2-yard line. Andy Phillips made his only field goal attempt of the night, with a 25-yard field shot in the second quarter.

Coaching: C

Troy Williams struggled to develop a passing game, but it was clear that Utah was set on running the ball. The weather was not nearly as bad as projected, but it seems like Utah stuck with a run-heavy offense. The first half was decent, save some weird clock management at the end of the half, but it was the first few drives of the second half that had little in the way of creativity.

Injuries are certainly taking a toll on the team, but from an outsider’s perspective, it seems like Utah could be more creative with its offense. Defensively, the game was well coached; it was just the latter part of the game that started to get away from Utah’s defense

Overall: C

If you do the math, the above adds up to something better than a C-grade, but the game was no better than average, at best. Utah is a much better team than what was on display Saturday afternoon. Injuries have depleted key positions, but that’s not an excuse for a subpar effort on the field.

Utah should be happy to escapes Corvallis with a win.

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