Impressions of the game: Utah vs. Georgia Tech

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EL PASO, TX -- In a come-from-behind ending to send the game in overtime, the University of Utah pulled out a 30-27 victory against the Yellow Jackets of Georgia Tech in the Sun Bowl, making it the seventh postseason win for a Utah team led by head coach Kyle Whittingham.

Impression 1:

Junior college transfer John White IV ended the season with a touchdown run and the victory for Utah, after leading much of the offensive-assault on the year. Prior to the season starting, many looked to White as a small running back option, who would likely have trouble against the bigger defenders. However, White proved his toughness this season, fighting for the extra yards and extending the drive. His rushing success allowed him to become the school's single-season rushing leader.

And in similar fashion Saturday, White made the extra plays to help his team win the game. With Utah down 14 going into the fourth quarter, it was doubtful if White could eclipse the 100-yard mark, which has been a benchmark this season for a Utah win. But in an exciting ending to the game, White manged to end the game with 115 yards and another Utah victory.

Impression 2:

Despite his shortfalls as quarterback, Jon Hays led the Utes to a successful inaugural season in the Pac-12 and a postseason victory. Although White is credited for the overtime win after his rushing touchdown, Hays brought the team out of a 14-point deficit, capping off the game with a perfectly executed lob pass to DeVonte Christopher for the game-tying touchdown.

There are many aspects of Hays' game to criticize, but when it mattered, Hays got the job done and grew tremendously from his first game as a starter. Hays ended the first quarter with 67 yards and a touchdown pass to Shawn Asiata, which was more than most game totals. Although Hays threw an interception late in the game, which could have been the end for the Utes, Hays went 15-of-31 for 193 yards and three touchdowns.

Hays is still not a viable candidate to contend for the starting position next year, but his ability to win games this season shows he's still worthy of the backup quarterback position under whatever system Utah has next year.

Impression 3:

The Utes started their opening drive with an unusual amount of passing plays, with Hays hitting his receivers for the early touchdown. Shifting their play calling from an abundance of rushing plays, which were the staple of Utah's offense all season, the Utes kept the Yellow Jackets on their toes, who likely prepared for an assault of rushing plays.

However, the passing game quickly lost its luster as Utah failed to convert thereafter, which prompted many Utah fans to blame the play calling of offensive coordinator Norm Chow. Although the team relied heavily on the passing game Saturday, Chow has been a great play caller for the Utes, including Saturday's game. Opponents, which now include Georgia Tech, never knew what to expect from Chow's play calling. Much of Utah's success this season should be attributed to his ability to adapt and move forward with a limited offense. Chow's presence will certainly be missed when he leaves to coach for Hawaii next year.

Impression 4:

Despite allowing Georgia Tech's offense to put up 448 total yards, Utah's defense stopped the Yellow Jackets when it ultimately mattered. Utah's defense let up more than many were expecting for the seventh-ranked rushing defense in the nation, but holding the Yellow Jackets in the final minutes of the game helped Utah secure the postseason victory.

Utah's defense has played exceptionally well this year and will likely improve with new recruits joining the veteran performances of players like Star Lotulelei and the Kruger brothers. Although Utah loses players like Derrick Shelby and Tevita Finau, the defense should be in a good position to continue their dominance on defense.

Impression 5:

Never underestimate a well-prepared Kyle Whittingham in postseason play. Since taking over the reigns in 2005 from then-coach Urban Meyer, Utah has won seven of their last eight bowl games. Whittingham's ability to prepare his team for postseason play is unmatched in college football.

After starting the season 0-4 against Pac-12 opponents, Whittingham turned his team around, ending another successful season for Utah football, despite the adversity the team faced. Additionally, with Utah's win Saturday, they become the first Pac-12 opponent to win a bowl game this year. Whittingham continues to cement his position as the head coach of Utah football.

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