After taking a 13-10 lead into the break thanks to an opportunistic defense and great special-teams play, the Utah Utes pulled away in the second half to upend the Michigan Wolverines x-x after a lengthy weather delay at The Big House.
Our Utes/Wolverines Halftime Quick Hitters
Here's five things we learned from Saturday's contest in Ann Arbor.
5. Michigan's Fans Are Thirsting For A Change
After directing a helping of boos at the Michigan coaching staff during last Saturday's 24-point win over Miami (Ohio), some of the 100,000-plus fans at The Big House kept with that trend during parts of the game against the Utes. Whether it was a show of disapproval for Brady Hoke's up-and-down coaching tenure with the team or just a general display of frustration, Hoke's job security could be an even hotter topic than it has been as the week wears on.
4. The Utah Utes' Defense And Special Teams Won The Day
Utah's offense struggled for the majority of the first half, but the defense and special-teams standout Kaelin Clay ensured a lead for the Utes at the break. The defense continued its impressive showcase in the third quarter with a pivotal fourth-and-3 stop of a Devin Gardner option run. While Utah didn't exactly suffocate Michigan's attack, they stepped up when necessary to deliver the victory.
3. Devin Gardner Looked (Very) Uncomfortable In The Pocket
Rushed throws. Collapsing pass protection. Discipline problems with vision surveying downfield receiving options. Turnovers.
Gardner's stat line was iffy in and of itself, but it was the way that he looked in the pocket that had Michigan social media circles during the majority of the second half calling for Shane Morris to take over. They got their wish, as Morris took over with just under 11 minutes to go - promptly throwing a pick before the game was delayed due to lightning.
Michigan's struggles on offense aren't all on Gardner by any means, but the high-visibility role of being the starting quarterback of the Wolverines means that the spotlight will remain on him until he figures things out.
2. Utah Can Do Damage In The Pac-12
Head coach Kyle Whittingham leads his Utes into Pac-12 play after an extremely impressive performance in non-conference play. Following blowouts of Idaho State and Fresno State with a huge victory over the Wolverines at Michigan Stadium is huge for the Utes as they try to finally gain footing as a member of the Pac-12.
If their effort on Saturday is any indication, the Pac-12 will have its hands full with a spirited (and undefeated) Utah squad.
1. Michigan's Future Is Full Of Questions
After this loss, the Michigan Wolverines are left with major questions about their coach, their offensive philosophy, their quarterback, and their entire 2014 season in general.
The air seemed to be sucked out of both the stadium and the team for a good portion of the fourth quarter - a feeling that Brady Hoke desperately needs to keep from invading The Big House again (provided he's allowed to try).
Relevant:
(VIDEO) Michigan HC Brady Hoke Tells Defensive Coordinator To "Get Off The F---ing Field"
This Awesome Hype Video Will Get You FIRED UP For Utah Football
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