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SALT LAKE CITY — The Utes could taste a victory in their mouth coming into the fourth quarter with a 12-point lead. But the Arizona State Sun Devils weren't going to go down easy to an unranked opponent.
As a result, Utah ends up losing the game 20-19 in heartbreaking fashion — something all too common this season.
Eric Lund tweeted, "Conservative 4th quarter offensive play calling & poor execution doom Utes in 19-20 loss."
"Goodness gracious the Utes just threw that away," tweeted Drew Cheenou Hjorth.
Following Utah's first touchdown of the game, the Utes called for a 2-point conversion. The Sun Devils easily put a stop to the attempt. The decision to go for 2 early in the game, however, was confusing for many fans.
"If the Utes lose this by a point I might break my tv……" tweeted Brandon.
Related:
Kelly leads No. 23 Arizona St rally to beat Utah
Taylor Kelly ran for a touchdown and threw for another in the fourth quarter and No. 23 Arizona State came from behind to beat Utah 20- 19 on Saturday." ‘It's still really early in the game, why would they go for 2?' - My 7 y/o son," tweeted Jonathan Thomas.
Throughout the season, the Utes have become familiar with the close losses, particularly at home where they play better. Utah lost close games to Oregon State, UCLA and now Arizona State.
"Classic Utah Utes," tweeted Bradley Findeis. "Have a lead then slowly let your opponent come back. Heck (of) a game but seriously disappointing."
Despite the poor showing of the offense in the fourth quarter, where Travis Wilson had two interceptions and the offense had several three and outs, Utah's defense played hard and kept Arizona State from moving the ball all night.
"I feel bad for the defense," tweeted Steve Tate. "They don't deserve that after the way they played."
"Utah's defense is making ASU's offense look awful today," Bruin Report Online tweeted prior to the fourth quarter. "Utes have ASU's horizontal game more or less scouted out."
But it was the poor play of the offensive line that had many fans frustrated during the game.
"O line didn't feel like playing that series I guess," tweeted Dakota Canales in the first quarter.
And the disappointment continued throughout the game.
"Wow … I don't even know what to say anymore," tweeted Blackout Ute. "So disappointed in the Oline."
Head coach Kyle Whittingham followed up the frustration after the game, saying, "We didn't protect. That's the biggest issue with the offense. The offensive line needs to play better."
