Huskies wide receiver Jaydon Mickens (1) gets wrapped up by Utah Utes defensive back Dominique Hatfield (15) and defensive back Chase Hansen (22) during the second quarter.
SEATTLE -- Gionni Paul returned a fumble 54 yards for a touchdown, set up another score with an interception and No. 12 Utah held off Washington 34-23 on Saturday night to remain in control of the Pac-12 South Division race.
Utah (8-1, 5-1) leaned on big plays from its defense to overcome an inconsistent night offensively against the Huskies (4-5, 2-4). After going two weeks without forcing a turnover, the Utes forced three in the first half and made that stand up against Washington's second-half rally.