Utah emerges with win over Utah State despite losing starting quarterback to injury
Utah managed to overcome the departure of its starting quarterback to edge hated rival Utah State 24-14 on Friday, in a game dominated by injury concerns.
The No. 24 Utes relied on stellar defense to tame a stronger than expected Aggies squad that ran out of a gas after squaring the game at 14. It was a bittersweet win for Utah, however, after it lost top signal caller Travis Wilson with an apparent shoulder injury.
Here's what you need to know:
- Utah State quarterback Chuckie Keeton played strongly for the Aggies, masterfully evading opposing tackles to tear up the Utes' defense as a rusher. It was made all the more remarkable considering that he appeared to be working with an injured knee after sustaining a hit in the first quarter. The gritty effort was for naught as he was unable to led the Aggies to an improbable late-game rally. In the end, Keeton ran for 53 yards, while throwing for 252 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.
- On the other end, Kendal Thompson stepped in for the Utes and threw for 56 yards, while running for another 23 and a touchdown.
- Before leaving, Wilson went 9-for-12 for 76 yards, while running for another 49 and a touchdown.
- The offensive hero, though, was clearly Utah's star rusher Devontae Booker who ran for 120 yards and a touchdown.
Play of the Game
Despite the defeat, the play of the game belongs to Utah State. Chuckie Keeton shepherded a masterful offensive drive downfield for the Aggies, capped off with a brilliant 15-yard touchdown catch by wide receiver Zach Van Leeuwen to even the score at 14 just before the end of the first half.
Utah heads to California next to play Fresno State, while Utah State visits Seattle to face Washington.