BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Ty Jordan scored twice, including a game-sealing 66-yard TD burst, and Utah’s revamped defense forced three turnovers to help the Utes rally past No. 21 Colorado 38-21 in the earliest game played at Folsom Field in it's 96-year history.
"I'll give Utah credit, they played hard when we did, unfortunately," said Colorado head coach Karl Dorrel. "I think our guys played hard, but they made more rugged plays than we did, and that was a difference in the game. Those turnovers, breaking some tackles and letting off some big runs. I think those are the big culprits of what's happened for us today.
The win by the Utes on a snowy day most likely put an end to the Buffaloes' Pac-12 title hopes.
"They're all disappointed," added Dorrel. "We're all disappointed. We had an opportunity, so we didn't take advantage of it. We're going to learn from this and continue to build this program. That's what we're going to do."
The soon-to-be-unseated Pac-12 South champion Utes found their footing on the frozen field in the second half, turning a 21-10 deficit into a 34-21 lead after Jordan’s long run with less than five minutes remaining.
“I’m proud of this team," explained Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham. "They hung in there and fought their way out of a tough spot. Went into halftime down, 14-10, and promptly gave up a touchdown right out of the gate in the second half. No way to start the second half, and certainly not the ideal way, but they never flinched.
Colorado's Brenden Rice, the son of Hall of Fame receiver Jerry Rice, showed off his speed by scoring twice, on a punt return and a bubble screen.
“I have to say it kind of hurts," said Rice. "We were doing so well all season with our drive and passion in the locker room. At the end of the day, you have got to be afraid of losing as much as you want to win. And you just have to keep pushing towards your goals, and I think we lost track of that. We got too excited after the first half and we couldn’t keep up the pace.”
