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SALT LAKE CITY -- In a must win game for a chance to advance to the Pac-12 Championship game, the University of Utah was outmatched by the Colorado Buffaloes, losing 17-14. The game was uncharacteristic of a Utah team that has seemed to make progress in the latter part of the season.
Quarterback: B+
Despite the offensive struggles in the first half, Jon Hays managed to lead his team in the second half to give the Utes a shot at a win. Offensive Coordinator Norm Chow called on Hays to win the game in the air, and Hays managed to move the chains in the final minutes of the game. He struggled to convert in the red zone, but consistently got the offense moving in the second half.
Hays finished the game going 18-of-25 for 185 yards and one touchdown. It was a good performance from a back-up quarterback who has not been called on to throw the ball a lot this season. Hays' biggest mistake came in the final minutes when he was hit from the blindside, forcing a fumble. The Utes managed to recover the ball, but it could have been a late blow to a strong offensive drive.
Running Backs/Full Backs: B-
Prior to John White leaving the game as a result of an ankle injury, White had a hard time trying to pick up some yards in the rush game, especially with a Colorado defense stacking the box against the rush. White managed to move while he was in, but unfortunately was not able to finish the game. Utah is still winless when White does not rush over 100 yards.
Tauni Vakapuna managed to energize a dull performance from the overall Utah team, muscling through the defense and picking up some big yards for the first down. Vakapuna, however, was a no show after he fumbled the ball in the final minutes of the game.
Wide Receiver/Tight End: A-
Utah receivers and tight ends made some big plays this week for Utah in the second half. In a recently quiet DeVonte Christopher, he managed to pick up some key first downs to help the Utah offense move the ball down field. Additionally, Dres Anderson, Kenneth Scott and David Wolf gave Hays some good opportunities to move the chains.
Offensive Line: A-
The offensive line played a good game, balanced game, giving Jon Hays the protection he need to make his passes. There were not many mistakes for the offensive line, who worked hard to contain a stacked Colorado defensive line.
In an unfortunate event early in the second half, offensive lineman Sam Brenner was removed from the game by ambulance after suffering a neck injury. It is never a good sign to see a player taken away by ambulance, but we wish Brenner a healthy recovery in the next few weeks.
Overall Offense: B-
Against a Colorado defense, Utah should have put up several points on the board. However, credit must be given to Colorado's defense who put their entire emotion into the game, playing stronger and harder. The offense showed good progression in the second half, with Hays given the opportunity to throw the ball more. Prior to entering their bowl game, Utah needs to figure out how to strike early on offense and keep the momentum moving.
Defensive Line: C
The defensive line was silenced Friday with a tough Colorado offensive line, which kept Utah from putting pressure on Buffaloes quarterback Tyler Hansen. Hansen was given ample time to make the pass, finding the open receiver on a consistent basis. Utah's first real pressure came in the second half when Star Lotulelei managed to sack Hansen for a big loss of yards. It was unfortunate to see a tough defensive line struggle against Colorado.
Linebackers: C-
Too many yards were given in the short game for quick first downs. Whether in the rush game or pass game, Utah's linebackers struggled to read the play, giving Colorado easy yardage. Hansen consistently used the play-action pass to throw off Utah's defense.
Defensive Backs: D+
Tyler Hansen had all the opportunity in the world to win the game through the air with Utah's secondary giving up several yards on the receiver. On numerous occasions, Utah defenders were at least 10 yards away from an open receiver. Utah's passing defense has been one of their weaknesses this season, but not in Friday's fashion. It appeared like Utah's secondary were outmatched and outplayed.
Although Reggie Topps managed to pull down a key interception in the final minutes of the game, it was the early defensive letdown that gave Colorado the game.
Overall Defense: C-
Utah's defense was a disappointing aspect to a Utes loss. The defense beat themselves and allowed the Buffaloes to have every opportunity to score. The Buffaloes managed 373 yards Friday, with Hansen passing for 264 yards. Utah cannot expect to win games when so many yards are given up through the air.
Special Teams: D-
After being perfect last week against Washington State, Coleman Petersen had an extremely poor game, missing all three field goals, including a potential game-tying field goal with time running out. Petersen is not the only player to blame for Friday's loss, but it hard to win a game when the football does not go through the posts.
The one positive aspect about Utah's special teams was Sean Sellwood and Nick Marsh, who had great kicks, which were downed near the goal line on a consistent basis.
Overall Team: C-
In a rare turn of events, the offense wins the better performance award. The defense and special teams failed to get things done on their end. Utah should have beat Colorado with their tough defense and recent ability to make tough field goals. However, it was quite the opposite as Colorado was given all opportunities to score.
*Email: jfurlong@ksl.com*Twitter: @JFurKSL
