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It was a job done, not necessarily well done, but done.
The Utes got help in the way of the turnover on Saturday evening in Colorado Springs. Utah has had trouble all year long in the turnover margin, something that Head Coach Kyle Whittingham has talked about all year. Saturday, turnovers saved their season. The Utes got five timely turnovers, including a fumble recovery on the 3rd play of scrimmage. Without the turnovers, Utah is not in this game. It is hard to believe that Utah got their tails kicked, but they honestly did. Utah gave up 210 yards on the ground, a huge number compared to what they average (86). The fourth quarter was concerning also. Coach Whittingham noted after the game that Utah needs to learn how to play 60 minutes, just like the Cadets.
What is the most important? Winning! Even in the Sugar Bowl year, the Utes only won by one touchdown, scoring with 53 seconds left in the game to secure the win. For Utah, Air Force is a "survive and advance" type game, just like it was Saturday.
Next up, TCU, period.
ESPN's Chris Fowler posted this on his twitter account after the game: "I can just tell you that Gameday IS gonna be in the parking lot of Utes' ballpark next Saturday! No mystery. It's an easy call."
