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EUGENE, Ore. — With starting quarterback Travis Wilson out of the mix because of a concussion sustained against Arizona State, the Utah Utes attempted to upset the No. 6 Oregon Ducks. And the Utes put up a good effort for half of the game, but ultimately were the inferior opponent, losing to the Ducks 44-21.
"And to think, the #Utes were actually in this game halfway through the 3rd quarter," tweeted Doug Allen.
Utah's defense stepped it up early, holding the Ducks to 10 rushing yards in the first half, despite many expecting the Ducks to run up the score early.
"If nothing else, Utah is shutting down Oregon on the ground," tweeted Chad Mobley.
"I feel bad for our defense," tweeted Zachary Gorringe
Thanks to players like Trevor Reilly and Michael Walker, Utah managed to keep the first half and part of the third quarter close. Reilly sacked Mariota twice and Walker also managed to get a big sack.
"Has anyone created an I heart Reilly shirt yet?" tweeted Utes in the NFL. "I want one."
"Trevor Reilly is by far the best defender in the state of Utah and should be an All-American," tweeted Andrew Lawrence.
"Trevor Reilly is more valuable to Utah this year than Star was last year," Brian Swinney tweeted.
Twice Utah cut Oregon's lead to 3 points, but Oregon would answer shortly after, and then eventually never took their foot off the gas pedal.
"Good effort Utes," Andrew Gorringe tweeted. "They're just simply outmatched athletically at every position."
Most didn't expect Utah to be close all game, but because of the team's first half effort and Oregon's quick scoring in the second half, fans quickly turned on the Utes — players and coaches combined. However, others praised Utah's effort against a tough Oregon team.
"Shocked at all the negativity on Twitter," Robert Jackson tweeted. "Utes played really well for a half but were simply outmatched. Oregon has too much speed."
"The Utes played better than ANYONE expected," Landon Langston tweeted. "Oregon is just, well Oregon."
"Utah got my hopes up, but Oregon is Oregon," J Nelson tweeted. "Saw a lot of improvement on the oline, good fight for the most part."
In the end, at least Utah's uniforms looked good, even compared to Oregon.
"At least the #UTES uniforms are looking good!" tweeted Sonya Gronning. "I am digging the matte helmets! They are digable!"
"Black pants, black helmets for the Utes in Autzen. ME LIKEY," tweeted D. Sean.
