Final Score
Michigan Wolverines 0-3-7-0 — 17
Utah Utes 3-7-7-7 — 24
Box Score
Utah did not welcome Jim Harbaugh back into college football as the Utes defeated the Wolverines 24-17. Utah used a balanced attack to knock off Michigan. The story of the night was both the debut and struggles of Michigan quarterback Jake Rudock. Harbaugh did not announce who would start this week publicly, but many expected Rudock to get the nod.
Rudock had a rough start by throwing three interceptions, but did go on two lead two late touchdown drives. However, it was not enough to overcome the deficit they had created. Utah quarterback Travis Wilson threw for 208 yards and rushed for 53 yards. Wilson had a solid game and provided Michigan with difficulties accounting for his running ability.
Here are the key storylines from Utah’s defeat of Michigan:
Jake Rudock Is the Starting Quarterback for Michigan
Jake Rudock was the starting quarterback at Iowa last season. NCAA rules stipulate if a student-athlete graduates and his current school does not offer a particular graduate program they are able to transfer while keeping their eligibility. Russell Wilson made this rule famous when he transferred from NC State to Wisconsin.He was a three star recruit out of St. Thomas Aquinas in Florida before he chose to go to Iowa.
Utah Scored With a Rushing Touchdown
Devontae Booker scored a 1-yard rushing touchdown for the Utes. The touchdown gave Utah a 10-3 lead early in the first quarter. Michigan was never out of the game, but it felt like Utah was always in control. This was the beginning of Utah taking control and not letting it go.
Rudock Threw Two Early Interceptions
Coming into Michigan, Jake Rudock had a reputation for not making critical mistakes. Tonight, he might have ruined that reputation. He challenged that notion with two first half interceptions. We will see how committed Harbaugh is to Rudock.
Utah Quarterback Travis Wilson Had a Good First Half
While the attention was on his Michigan counterpart’s struggles, Travis Wilson had a good start to the game. Wilson was 14-of-22 for 133 yards in the first half. He did throw an interception on a Hail Mary to end the half.
Travis Wilson Rushed For a Utah Touchdown
Midway through the third quarter, quarterback Travis Wilson faked the hand off and ran the ball up the middle for a touchdown. The play gave Utah a 17-3 lead in the third quarter. Wilson ability to run the ball proved to be difficult for Michigan to defend.
Jake Rudock Threw His First Michigan Touchdown
Overall, Rudock had a much better second half. On this play, he put the ball where only Jake Butt could catch it. It could be the first of many Jake-to-Jake touchdowns.
Utah Scored on a Pick-Six
Michigan was driving down the field midway through the 4th quarter with a chance to score a game-tying touchdown. On 3-and-3 Rudock threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown. It marked Rudock’s third interception of the night.
Michigan Scored a Late Touchdown
Rudock threw another touchdown pass with less than a minute left in the game. He connected with Amara Darboh for the touchdown, but it was too little too late. Michigan attempted an onside kick but was unsuccessful in the recovery.
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