SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Utes got some revenge Thursday night in a come-from-behind 30-26 victory over in-state rival Utah State. While the victory was anything but easy, the Utes showed a much-improved offense and some hope heading into the rest of the season.

With a night's sleep and the game fully digested, here is a breakdown of the team on offense, defense and special teams.

Offense: B+

The Utes came out firing with sophomore quarterback Travis Wilson leading the charge. In the first quarter alone, the offense looked far better than it has in at least the past two years, with Wilson six-of-nine for 106 yards and two touchdowns. As the half progressed, however, the Utes quickly fell flat and did little, if anything, to move the chains. The offensive line could not contain the fast approaching Aggies defense and forced the Utes to stall on offense, especially in the run game — only 52 yards on 16 carries.

In the second half, Wilson picked things up and managed to effectively utilize the run and pass game, garnering a total of 267 yards for the half. While the deep passes to receivers Anthony Denham and Dres Anderson certainly helped move the offense along, it was the rush game that took greater strides. James Poole and Karl Williams combined for 93 yards and one touchdown.

The most encouraging offensive player of the night, however, was Wilson, who went 17-of-28 for 302 yards and two touchdowns, with a passer rating of 174.9. Additionally, Wilson had several deep passes — 56, 51, 30 and 26 — to move the chains, which is a great improvement from last year. While it's only one game, Wilson showed composure in the pocket and made effectively plays to take control of the team.

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Defense: B-

Containing Utah State's dual-threat quarterback Chuckie Keeton was no small feat. Keeton was slippery and managed to pick apart the defense as much as possible. Keeton went 31-of-40 for 314 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 89 yards and one touchdown. Utah's defense had no answer for Keeton in the first half and gave up a total of 301 yards. However, one of the bright spots on defense was defensive end Nate Orchard, who managed to sack Keeton once and force a fumble, which he then recovered.

The defense made some adjustments at half that ultimately slowed down Keeton's assault. Utah held the Aggies to 186 yards, two field goals and forced three three-and-out series. One of the biggest positives from the defense was the ability to tackle in the open field. Last season, Utah's defense struggled to tackle their opponent in the open field. On Thursday, the defense did a good job of holding the Aggies to about five or six yards.

While Utah's defense ultimately managed to stave off the assault of Keeton, there are adjustments that need to be made as the season progresses.

Special Teams: A-

Related:

Ute offense, special teams step up to spoil Keeton's big night

For a team known for its defensive identity, giving up 487 yards of total offense isn't close to what you would expect.

Freshman kicker Andy Phillips won the game ball and likely the hearts of Utah fans. Prior to his effective onside kick, Phillips drilled a 45-yard field goal to get the Utes within six points. The deep field goal kicking was something left to be desired last season, so Phillips had only up to go. Phillips' 38-yard field goal attempt to secure the lead at the end of the game was only gravy. If Phillips can continue to hit his field goals, it may be the difference for the Utes later this season in close games.

Although Phillips had a great opening game, the return team produced little in the way of yards. The Utes struggled in the field position game all game. Wilson managed to make the post of the long field ahead of him, but against upcoming opponents like Oregon and Stanford, Utah will need to have better field position. Utah needs to find its next Reggie Dunn or Shaky Smithson.

Overall team: B+

While Utah managed to come from behind and pull out a victory, the Utes need more consistency as a team. It's understandable that the first game will expose a lot of weaknesses, but the competition will quickly intensify after next week's game against Weber State. The offensive line needs to give Wilson more protection, but Wilson needs to recognize the defensive schemes to effectively move the ball.

The defense, too, can't give up 301 yards in a single half. Utah State was not a weak opponent, but the competition and offensive talent will only improve.

Despite falling behind early in the game, there is a lot to be positive about the team. The fact that Utah was able to come back from a demoralizing first half, with a quarterback that refused to give up says a lot about the maturity of the team. It's only one game, but Utah has talent on offense and defense.

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