The Utah Utes moved to 7-1 on the season and 4-1 in Big XII play as they outlasted the Houston Cougars on Thursday night in an epic 63-42 shootout.
Running back Dijon Stanley opened the scoring with a 55-yard touchdown run on Utah's first offensive play from scrimmage, and capped the scoring with a 94-yard run on Utah's final offensive play. Those touchdowns bookended an outing where the back rushed for 164 yards and two touchdowns on six carries, caught three passes for 120 yards and another pair of scores, and returned a punt 78 yards to the house.
And the Utes needed every bit of his gamebreaking speed, as Houston's offense tore the Utah defense to shreds. Donovan Smith threw for 329 yards and a pair of scores, while Parker Jenkins rushed for 223 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries.
Cam Rising threw for 283 yards on 10 of 16 passing, but his four touchdowns were offset by four picks. Two of those came deep in Utah territory, and one was returned for a pick six.
But Utah came up with three picks of their own. One was returned 78 yards for a touchdown, while another came in the endzone to stop a promising Houston drive—although Utah gave it right back on the next play.
"I've been coaching a long time, and I've never been left scratching my head like that about my defense's performance," said Coach JasonUk after the game. "Coach Yragha1 and the Cougars ripped us apart left, right, and center. Full credit to them. Thankfully we hit numerous big plays on offense to stay one step ahead much of the game."
Starting back Micah Bernard wasn't left out of the fun, either. He ran for 139 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries, including an 81-yard scoring run where he obliterated a defender at the line with a vicious forearm and broke into the clear.
Utah now heads into their bye week, where Coach JasonUk is going to put them through their paces. "We allowed 569 yards of total offense on 50 plays, and threw four picks. That's unacceptable and some guys are gonna be in pain when this week is through."
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