As Kyle Whittingham would say: “Next man up.”
And that’s exactly what Utah did against Oregon Saturday night at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
Despite losing their starting quarterback and running back to season-ending injuries this week, the Utes didn’t make any excuses as the team came back and rallied for a thrilling 32-25 victory over the Ducks.
Utah quarterback Jason Shelley’s starting debut was a big success as the freshman completed 18-of-31 passes for 262 yards to go with two rushing touchdowns.
Utah Football: Why The Utes Will Win The Pac-12 South Division
Filling in for Zack Moss, junior running back Armand Shyne had a “shining” debut as he rushed 26 times for 174 yards.
With the win, Utah remains in the hunt for the Pac-12 South championship. The Utes need a win at Colorado next weekend combined with a loss by Arizona State to either Oregon or Arizona.
To add the cherry on top, Utah kicker Matt Gay had a career night as he broke the school record with six field goals. The senior had 20 of Utah’s 32 points on the night.
Here’s how everyone reacted after the win:
FINAL: Utah 32, Oregon 25
Shelly: 18/31 262 yards
Shyne: 174 yards rushing#GoUtes #UtahFootball #Utes #Pac12FB #UOvsUTAH pic.twitter.com/9YmzVtVQPS— GoUtahUtes (@UtahUteFans) November 11, 2018
??? pic.twitter.com/OxH01QXMm3
— SNOOP? (@_SNOOP1) November 11, 2018
My Game Balls…
Jason Shelley-1st Career Start. Ton of poise. No mistakes
Jaylon Johnson-Locked down Dillon Mitchell
Matt Gay-School Record 6 Field Goals-Clutch#Utes @Utah_Football— Bill Riley (@espn700bill) November 11, 2018
#Utah takeaways:
– Shelley/Shyne did NOT flinch! Culture.
– 2 LBs are best duo in #Pac12FB – relentless 4 @Utah_Football
– Covey knack for seams/creases gr8
– CBs tested & while both beat at times they #seek next match-up
– Punt team must improve
– @TheMUSS is simply phenomenal!— Yogi Roth (@YogiRoth) November 11, 2018
Next men up- Awesome!#nextmanup #UtahFootball #Utes pic.twitter.com/trXwTIrfUJ
— Scottsdale Ute (@UteFanSARGE) November 11, 2018
From losing their best offensive players to struggling to score touchdowns most of the game, Utah had every reason to get discouraged. Instead, the Utes willed themselves to what could be their biggest win of the season.
— SportsPac12 (@SportsPac12) November 11, 2018
Well done @jason15shelley and @ArmandShyne !!!! ????
— Eric Weddle (@weddlesbeard) November 11, 2018
??♂️??♂️ pic.twitter.com/sCqfaYhgM8
— Keith Fulks (@razorbac4ever) November 11, 2018
Shelley has a little Tua in him.
— Caleb (@FortyUter) November 11, 2018
That’s another @Utah_Football victory … pic.twitter.com/NCgvvZbqRR
— Josh Furlong (@JFurKSL) November 11, 2018
We believe in Shelley, we believe in Shyne, we believe in everybody. We gonna be alright
— Shone Heimuli-Lund™️ (@LundSione) November 9, 2018
Drug test the camera man immediately @Pac12Network ???♂️no ?
— LaMike james (@LaMichaelJames) November 11, 2018
OK my final takes on Ducks tonight: Good teams overcome injuries/adversity. Look at what Utah did on offense w/backups making 1st starts (!) OL injuries can't be excuse – depth is supposed to be strength. Team plays/acts immature still. Slow starts on road are baffling 1/
— David Kaufer (@DavidKaufer) November 11, 2018
Game Summary pic.twitter.com/8uprEhsvzl
— Optimus Z (@MrZupon) November 11, 2018
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