Impressions of the game: Utah at Arizona

TUCSON, AZ -- Coming off their first Pac-12 win against Oregon State, the University of Utah looked to continue their win streak against the Arizona Wildcats. The game was one of Utah's most consistent games of the season, beating the Wildcats 34-21 on the road.

Impression 1:

Utah offensive coordinator Norm Chow showed his experience in play calling Saturday, mixing up the run and pass game in a balanced effort. Against Oregon State, Utah relied on John White to put points on the board, carrying the offense on his back. However, against the Wildcats, Chow scripted the right plays to move the chains and pulled out a second Pac-12 win.

Chow forced Arizona to play on their heels, with an assault in the run game, short but effective passes and a confident Utes team working to extend the play for a first down. Additionally, Jon Hays looked more poised and confident Saturday, putting the ball in the hands of the receivers, which allowed Chow to use Hays as an offensive threat.

In a good sign of the offense becoming more comfortable, Utah's punt team did not see action until the beginning of the fourth quarter.

Impression 2:

With his strongest game as the Utah quarterback, Jon Hays had a consistent game, with arguably minimal mistakes. In the first half, Hays looked like a confident quarterback, leading his team to a strong offensive showing. Even in the second half, Hays did not force the play, but assessed the action well.

Hays ended the game going 12-of-21 for 199 yards and two touchdowns. It was a good showing by the backup quarterback, finding his receiver more consistently this week than the entire season. Many of his passes were on target and were smart, effective plays.

Hays still has issues with overthrowing and underthrowing the ball, but the offensive production from Hays Saturday is a plus for Utah. If Hays continues to make progress each week, the Utes have a decent chance of winning out the season.

Impression 3:

Arizona quarterback Nick Foles is one of the best quarterbacks in the Pac-12, connecting with his assault of receivers and his phenomenal completion percentage at 70 percent. However, on Saturday, Utah's defense did a good job of making Foles hit his receivers, particularly in the first half.

Going into the half, Utah held Foles to eight-of-17 for only 97 yards and seven points. Although the second half was more of a letdown by Utah's defense, the Utes did not allow the passing game to hurt them.

Impression 4:

Utah's defense showed once again why it leads the Pac-12 in overall defense, holding the Wildcats to 21 points at home. Entering Saturday's game against Utah, the Wildcats averaged 32.5 points per game at home.

Saturday's game was not the best Utah's defense has been on the season, but it was nonetheless lights out, stopping key play-makers for the Wildcats. Arizona managed 457 total yards on offense, but Utah won the turnover margin, forcing a fumble and two interceptions.

Conroy Black's end zone interception was the nail in Arizona's coffin, and likely the play of the game, giving Utah the momentum and another score to close out the game.

Impression 5:

Utah's special teams was another deciding factor in the Utes big win over the Wildcats, with much of the credit going to Greg Bird, who blocked two punts Saturday. The special teams has effectively given the Utes great field position each game, with Reggie Dunn having big returns. Additionally, Utah's kickers have placed the ball really well near the end zone, forcing their opponents to work out of their end zone.

There was one black mark against the special teams, though, as Coleman Petersen missed two field goals. Petersen had not missed a field goal since the BYU game. However, after what seemed to be a shaky start to the season for Petersen, he's done well for the Utes, providing many of the points in Utah's previous games.

*Email: jfurlong@ksl.com*Twitter: @JFurKSL

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