No. 12 Utah gets first Big 12 win, defeating No. 14 Oklahoma State with stifling defense

Utah quarterback Cameron Rising warmed up before the Utes’ matchup with Oklahoma State, but his hand injury prevented him from playing. (AP Photo/Mitch Alcala)

No. 12 Utah began its first season in the Big 12 with a tough 22–19 win over No. 14 Oklahoma State on a 100-degree Saturday afternoon in Stillwater.

Quarterback Cameron Rising’s status with a hand injury was a game-time decision. Utah hoped he would be able to start and the senior warmed up with the starting offense. However, he had difficulty gripping the ball enough to throw and the decision was made to play freshman Isaac Wilson instead.

Wilson wasn’t spectacular and threw two interceptions. He completed 13-of-22 passes for 141 yards and rushed for another 36. Ultimately, Wilson benefited from a familiar formula that was successful for coach Kyle Whittingham in the Pac-12, featuring a bruising running attack and rugged defense against opponents who prefer a more wide-open style of play.

Running back Micah Bernard provided the offense Utah needed, rushing for 182 yards on 25 carries.

Oklahoma State only managed 119 yards of offense in the first half, while Utah controlled the ball for 20 minutes of possession. Quarterback Alan Bowman was benched to begin the second half after completing only 8-of-22 passes for 89 yards with an interception. A game that initially boasted a matchup of seventh-year QBs in their mid-20s ended up with neither being a factor.

Backup Garret Rangel didn’t fare much better against Utah’s defense, throwing for only 31 yards on 3-for-11 passing.

Utah scored the first touchdown of the game in the second quarter, finishing off an 11-play drive with tight end Brant Kuithe lining up at quarterback, wildcat-style, and running up the middle for a one-yard score.

Down by two touchdowns in the second half, coach Mike Gundy had little choice but to…

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Author : Yahoo Sports

Publish date : 2024-09-21 23:42:07

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