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SALT LAKE CITY — The Utes went on the road and took care of business against Oregon, beating the Ducks 62-20.
Utah's 62 points is the most ever given up by Oregon at Autzen Stadium in school history. It's also one of the most dominant wins in Utah history. The following are just a few takeaways from Utah's win.
Utah is completely different under Travis Wilson
No disrespect to Kendal Thompson, but Utah is a completely different team with Travis Wilson calling the shots. Even with a banged-up shoulder, Wilson owned the game and controlled everything about the offense. Wilson's offense did not back down from Oregon and scored on 10 of the 12 drives he was in the game, which was only three quarters.
Wilson contributed to 327 yards of Utah's 530 total yards and five touchdowns on the night. Wilson ended the game completing 18-of-30 passes for 227 yards and four touchdowns. He added 100 rushing yards and one touchdown, including a career-high 60-yard run that set up Utah for one of its many scores.
If Wilson can continue to have performances like he did against Oregon, Utah is in a prime position to do some damage in the Pac-12.
Perfect never felt so good for Utah
Coming into the game, many, including me, thought Utah would have to play a near perfect game to have a shot against the Ducks. Although Utah was near perfect, it wasn't entirely necessary to beat the Ducks. Utah showed that with a decent offense and a strong defense, they have what it takes to compete with the top teams in the conference.
Utah held Oregon scoreless in the second half until the 4-minute mark in the fourth quarter. The offense, defense and special teams did everything right to keep Oregon from playing its normally high-powered offensive game. The game was reminiscent, in part, to what Utah did to Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. It's also the first win against Oregon on the road since 1994. Is it a better performance? Vote below.
Utah receivers showed up ========================Wilson was instrumental in Utah's win, but the receivers made it relatively easy for him by playing Oregon's secondary well. Wilson targeted nine people and spread the ball around, including several deep passes. Freshmen Caleb Repp and Britain Covey both had two touchdowns, and senior Kenneth Scott lead the team with 75 yards on six receptions and a touchdown.
Having the passing game opened up also helped Devontae Booker run the ball since the Oregon defense couldn't plan on Booker every play. Booker was just short of Wilson in the run game, finishing with 98 yards on 22 carries. Booker added 23 receiving yards and a touchdown pass to Covey.
Utah's defense won't be messed around
Utah's defense has always been the key element of the program, and it shows. Few teams nationally have what Utah has in its defense. From top to bottom, Utah has a very talented set of defenders that make it extremely difficult for teams to combat them. Utah renewed the "Sack Lake City" mantra, coming up with five sacks against the Ducks.
Utah, too, got some takeaways, with Dominique Hatfield coming down with an interception in the end zone as Oregon was about to score. Marcus Williams also secured an interception and nearly had a second. Utah also came down with two forced fumbles by Jason Fanaika and Jared Norris — one of which set up a 6-yard touchdown run by Kendal Thompson.
