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SALT LAKE CITY -- Led by John White IV and his rushing performance, the University of Utah managed a 30-27 win on the road against the Washington State Cougars in overtime for their fourth consecutive win.
John White IV
John White continues to dominate with the ball, finding gaps and extending the play for extra yards. In a game-changing play, White broke several tackles for a 56-yard rushing touchdown, putting the Utes up 27-17 with a little over six minutes to play in the game.
Despite taking hard hits on nearly every offensive play, White keeps fighting, giving his offense a chance for the win. On Saturday, White had 42 carries for 186 yards and two touchdowns, making it the seventh game of the season where White has rushed over 100 yards. The Utes continue to win every game White has over 100 yards. It's hard to doubt his abilities each week with that kind of stat.
Sean Sellwood
As the Utah offense struggled to make things happen in the first half, Sean Sellwood managed to put some points on the board. Facing fourth down and an apparent situation to punt the ball, head coach Kyle Whittingham called on Sellwood to make a play. With an open Luke Matthews down field, Sellwood connected with Matthews for a 49-yard touchdown pass to take a 7-0 lead.
On the year, Sellwood is now two-of-two for 66 yards and one touchdown. In addition to Sellwood's punting skills, his ability to fake the punt has had great success this season. If Hays goes down with an injury, at least the Utes have one player who is perfect in his passing, even if it is only two completions.
Coleman Petersen
Entering the season with doubts about Coleman Petersen kicking field goals, the Utes have been served well with Petersen on the team. Since getting a field goal blocked in a devastating loss against UCS, Petersen has been a viable option to putting points on the board for the Utes.
On Saturday, Petersen hit the game-winning 38-yard field goal in overtime. Additionally, Petersen managed a 33-yard field goal and a 45-yard field goal to go perfect for the game.
Defensive Backs
Despite their defensive letdown in the second half, the defensive backs played great defense in the first half, ultimately eliminating Washington State freshman quarterback Connor Holliday's ability to throw the ball. The defense, as a whole, held Holliday to 164 total yards of offense in the first half.
Additionally, Eric Rowe, Brian Blechen and Mo Lee each had an interception, which forced the Cougars to adjust their game.
*Email: jfurlong@ksl.com*Twitter: @JFurKSL
