Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
PASADENA, California -- Utah played its first Pac-12 game with college football powerhouse USC. The Utes struggled early, but found a rhythm that was stopped cold by the USC defense.
The Ute defense stopped USC on its first drive and U fans had confidence QB Jordan Wynn had found his.
"Utah with a good stop to take over on downs. Let's see how Wynn handles the pressure," tweeted soundoasis.
"Utah speeding up the offense to give Wynn confidence," tweeted Utah sports personality David Locke.
While Wynn looked much improved, he still had a tough time finishing.
"Jordan Wynn starting to get into a rhythm," tweeted tonyparks1320. "Still doesn't look completely comfortable yet, but is coming along."
USC started moving the ball and found some success, but Utah finally found the end one shortly before the half.
"That was a big big TD for Utah. Momentum changer & confidence boost for Utes," tweeted kevingraham1280.
The Utes went into the locker room down just three, and had the ball to start the second half.
The U came out and started moving the ball and was stopped short on a third down and faced fourth and one. Coach Whittingham then had a decision to make.
"Whittingham might've just lost this game by not going for it on 4th and 1," tweeted BlockU.
USC made some mistakes, but the U had a tough time capitalizing on the opportunities.
"USC is giving Utah every opportunity to be in this game," tweeted kevingraham1280. "Ute offense though just not good enough to take advantage."
One of the reasons the Utes had a tough time finding their stride is due to penalties.
"Utes killing themselves with penalties tonight on both sides of the ball," tweeted JFurKSL.
The U and USC both managed to put some points on the board and the score stayed 17- 10 for USC deep into the fourth.
The Utes had one last chance and decided to go for it on fourth and 10. Wynn made a good throw to DeVonte Christopher and the refs gave the U a horrible spot behind the line. The ball went to the USC offense, but before they could snap the ball the spot went to an official review. After the play went to the booth, the refs moved the spot and awarded the U with a first down.
Then in what many thought was a complete clock management melt down, the U kicked a field goal for the win that was blocked by USC.
"I know Utah had no more timeouts," tweeted GeorgeSchroeder. "But w/ 11 seconds, maybe 1 try into the end zone or the sidelines?"
The game would end there and USC would escape with a win. But much of the sentiment was that the U played a solid game.
"Heartbreaking," tweeted InsideTheUtes. "But Utah showed a ton of heart to hang in there."
