Utes ruin Harbaugh’s Michigan coaching debut

By John Coon The Sports Xchange

10 years ago

Sep 3, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Utes linebacker Jared Norris (41) and offensive lineman Isaac Asiata (54) celebrate their 24-17 win over the against the Michigan Wolverines at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports

Sep 3, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh talks with an official during the first half against the Utah Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

Sep 3, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Utes wide receiver Britain Covey (18) is tackled near the goal line by Michigan Wolverines safety Jabrill Peppers (5) during the first half at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

Quarterback Travis Wilson was 24-of-33 for 208 yards and added 53 yards and a touchdown on the ground to lead Utah to a 24-17 victory over Michigan in the season opener for both teams Thursday in Salt Lake City.

Devontae Booker added 69 yards and a touchdown for the Utes, who beat the Wolverines for the second straight year and notched their third consecutive victory in the series.

Quarterback Jake Rudock was 27-of-43 for 279 yards and a pair of touchdowns in his Michigan debut. The senior also threw three interceptions – including one in the fourth quarter that led to a game clinching touchdown for Utah.

The Utes held the Wolverines to 119 total yards and six first downs in the first half.

Andy Phillips made a 30-yard field goal to put Utah ahead 3-0 in the first quarter and Kenny Allen answered from 29 yards out to even the score at 3-3 early in the second. The Utes quickly jumped back in front 10-3 when Booker punched the ball in from 1 yard out with 10:33 left before halftime.

Utah extended its lead to 17-3 in the third quarter after Wilson capped off 10-play, 74-yard drive with a 14 yard scamper up the middle. Michigan scored its first touchdown after Rudock connected with Jake Butt on a 19-yard throw, making it 17-10 with 46 seconds left in the quarter. The Wolverines kept the drive alive after a late hit by Gionni Paul gave them a first down at the Utes’ 19.

Justin Thomas erased the mistake on the next defensive series by returning Rudock’s third interception 55 yards to give Utah a two-touchdown lead with 7:58 remaining.

The Utes have won eight consecutive season openers dating back to a 25-23 victory over Michigan in 2008.