Utah beats Indiana in the Foster Farms Bowl 26-24

The Foster Farms Bowl was very symbolic for Utah football. The offense struggled, but showed some flashes led by a running game, while the defense bent but didn't break to give Utah short fields. The Utah offense was led by senior running back Joe Williams in his final game as a Ute. Joe carried the Utes with 222 yards and a touchdown on his way to being named the offensive MVP. The rushing total on Wednesday gave Joe over 1400 yards on the season. The throw game wasn't very good, with Troy Williams going 11 of 23 with 178 yards and one pick. To Troy’s defense, the offensive line wasn't very good tonight pass blocking, giving him limited time to set his feet in the pocket. He did hit eight different receivers, and was down Cory Butler-Byrd.

We did see a new package tonight with freshman quarterback Tyler Huntley running the ball. I'm guessing this was designed to help improve Utah's red zone issues, which did a little when Huntley plowed through the goal line on 4th down

The offense, which did move the ball pretty well with 470 total yards, kept shooting themselves in the foot with turnovers. The Utes had four turnovers on the night, compared to Indiana’s three, with three of the turnovers being fumbles. The first came on the opening kick off when Kyle Fulks got blasted and fumbled the ball within their own 15 yard line, where Indiana eventually scored a touchdown. The other two fumbles came as Utah was driving, one by Zack Moss and the other by Joe. Both of those fumbles came on Indiana’s side of the field.

Utah’s defense was pretty much what they've always been. They give up some yards, but buckle down and make the plays when it matters. One big play came as Indiana was going in to score when the Utes forced and recovered a fumble at their own 4 yard line, which Utah promptly drove the ball 96 yards for touchdown. Utah's defense was able to close out the game, after Andy Phillips hit the go ahead field goal. They had a couple of sacks in the night, and missed a couple at the end, but Kavika Luafatasaga had a great night for the Utes, the best of his career. He ultimately helped to distrupt the Hail Mary attempt at the end of the game sealing the win for the Utes.

The win is Utah’s ninth of the season, and Coach Whittingham’s 10 bowl win in 11 tries. It wasn't always pretty, but it's a win.