Utah got off to a hot start in this one and just didn’t let up, traveling to Eugene and knocking off the Oregon Ducks in upset fashion.
The No. 13 Oregon Ducks came in to week four’s matchup with No. 18 Utah as major favorites to put a beat down on the Utes just as they did a season ago. Autzen Stadium is a very difficult place to play and the Ducks looked like a top-10 team and serious playoff contender so far this season.
Utah silenced all the doubted as it absolutely destroyed the Ducks and all hope Mark Helfrich’s squad had of making the coveted four-team playoff come January.
Oregon made Utah quarterback Travis Wilson look like a Heisman contender while Vernon Adams Jr. and Jeff Lockie looked lost. Right when it seemed like the loss of Marcus Mariota wouldn’t be that devastating, the two quarterbacks come out and perform like this at home.
It almost seemed like these two teams switched roles as the Utah offense was scoring at will and the Oregon offense looked like it was allergic to the end zone.
Three Stars
Travis Wilson was the real hero in this one, completing 18-of-30 passes for 227 yards and four touchdowns. He also finished with 100 rushing yards and a touchdown on six carries.
Devontae Booker had a nice game running the ball, finishing with 98 yards on 22 rushes. He also passed for a touchdown on a trick play, going 1-for-1 with a 25-yard score through the air. Oh yeah, and a 23-yard reception.
Boobie Hobbs had a nifty 69-yard punt return to really put the icing on the cake as the Utes’ punt returner may have put this one away for good.
Highlights
"After a 67-yard kickoff return by Byron Marshall, Vernon Adams hits Royce Freeman for a 13-yard TD. Live now on FOX. http://t.co/wuuG8h6817— Oregon Football (@WinTheDay) September 27, 2015"
"Look who found the end zone— everyone’s favorite Ute, Britain Covey!!! Watch #UTAHvsUO live now on FOX! http://t.co/oo9WEFGqdD— Pac-12 Networks (@Pac12Networks) September 27, 2015"
"JEFF LOCKIE, FIELD GENERAL. Touchdown, Ducks! #UTAHvsUO is live now on FOX! http://t.co/WC20RIlMO7— Pac-12 Networks (@Pac12Networks) September 27, 2015"
"When Caleb Repp comes in and does this… Catch the game live on FOX! #goutes#UTAHvsUOhttp://t.co/nLWtf1j1mi— Utah Athletics (@utahathletics) September 27, 2015"
"Booker as QB? Booker throws a TD? Wow…this game. #BookMode#BookerForHeismanhttp://t.co/e6rEz3qH62— Utah Athletics (@utahathletics) September 27, 2015"
Odds
Oregon was a 10-point favorite in this one, so if you picked Utah, you’re probably pretty happy with your decision. Also, the over/under was 63.5, which was obliterated by the end of the third quarter, thanks to Utah.
Next Week
Oregon will have a chance to bounce back next week against usual bottom-dweller Colorado on the road. The Ducks will need a big win here to probably even get back into the Top 25 as I’m sure they will be kicked after this blowout loss to Utah at home.
The Utes will travel back home to face Cal and the high-powered passing attack led by Jared Goff in two weeks, but they will have a bye next Saturday. If the Utes are going to contend for a Pac-12 title, these are the types of games they will need to win.
More from College Football
- Jim Harbaugh facing 4-game suspension over NCAA violations
- College football neutral site games in 2023: Full list
- College GameDay announces surprise Week 1 destination
- College football analyst warns Oklahoma that Texas is doing better prep for SEC
- College Football Playoff national championship game locations for 2024, 2025 and beyond