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SALT LAKE CITY — For the first time since 2014, the Utah football team lost its conference opener as No. 10 Washington left Rice-Eccles Stadium with a 21-7 victory.
“We didn’t score the points that we’d like to score, but we know the quality of defense we just went against,” Washington head coach Chris Petersen said. “I think at the end of the day, this is going to give our offense some confidence.”
The points scored in Saturday night’s game is the fewest either team has finished with this season. Utah couldn’t get things going with multiple dropped passes, penalties — two of which resulted in defensive players getting ejected — and three turnovers.
“We don’t count on the offense just giving us the ball. I thought we saw our guys create some turnovers tonight by a lot of physical play,” Petersen said.
Utah’s defense also played well. The acclaimed unit held Washington to just 155 passing yards. Entering the game, the Huskies averaged 366.5 passing yards. The Utes also allowed only 48 yards of total offense in the fourth quarter.
“This is one of the better run defenses in the country and in our conference for sure,” Petersen said.
On Utah’s offense, Petersen describes running back Zack Moss as a “heck of a back.” He finished with 67 yards on 13 carries. He also had Utah's only touchdown of the night, which came in the first quarter.
Receiver Britain Covey, though he got banged around with brutal hits several times, performed well for Utah. Covey finished as the team’s top receiver with eight catches for 54 yards — his longest 16.
“Covey is electric and shifty as anyone in our league,” Petersen added.
Washington has Utah’s number, owning the record 11-1. Utah can look forward to what seems like a much-needed bye next week before heading to Washington State on Saturday, Sept. 29.
