Three Takeaways From Utah’s Loss To Texas In Alamo Bowl
Dec 31, 2019, 9:45 PM | Updated: Jan 2, 2020, 11:29 am
SAN ANTONIO, Tex. – For the second straight game, the University of Utah lost in disappointing fashion. This time to the Texas Longhorns 38-10 in the Alamo Bowl.
Texas led the entire game and the Utes didn’t score for the first time until late in the third quarter.
Here is the Crimson Corner’s “three point stance” from Utah’s loss to Texas.
It didn’t end the way we wanted, but there is still so much to be proud of this season.
Thanks to all our fans who cheered us on in San Antonio, and those who supported us from home. #GoUtes pic.twitter.com/3WDgqVYtca
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) January 1, 2020
Despite Two Disappointing Loss, Still A Great Season
The Utes lost two important games in disappointing fashion. They lost in the Pac-12 Championship game for the second straight season, this time at the hands of the Oregon Ducks before falling being upset by the Texas Longhorns, who were 7-5 entering the bowl game.
Despite those losses, this season was still a successful one. One that fans should be excited about. They won eight straight games, including big wins against Washington, Arizona State and others, along with even a shutout. Utah had one of the top defenses in the country and the offense was very good under Andy Ludwig.
You also can’t forget how many of these players are going to be playing at the next level. Plus, the successful season was a reason why Utah signed their best recruiting class to date.
Tyler Huntley Fought Until The End
When Texas had the game in hand, senior quarterback Tyler Huntley kept fighting like he was trying to spark a comeback. He was sacked five times against Texas and some hits were pretty hard, but the leader of the team kept getting up and giving all of his effort to lead the Utes to the end zone.
In the loss, Huntley completed 15 of his 23 pass attempts for 126 yards and one touchdown. He also ran the ball 16 times for 33 yards in the final game of his college career.
Demari Simpkins with the over the shoulder TD grab!#goutes
📺: ESPN pic.twitter.com/FDAcVOMzkA— Utah Athletics (@utahathletics) January 1, 2020
Offensive Line Needs To Improve
One of the question marks in the preseason was the progression of the offensive line. Utah had most of their starters graduate last season and brought back a lot of guys who had experience but it showed that they needed time to mesh. In the last two games, Huntley was sacked 11 times, 6 times against Oregon and 5 times against Texas.
The positive to take away from the woes of the offensive line is that they only lose one starter as Darrin Paulo is the only senior. The offensive line unit shows a lot of promise, hopefully the experience from this season will become a bright spot next season and with offensive line coach Jim Harding developing these players, that should be the case.
Utah finished their season with an 11-3 record. They will open the 2020 season against the BYU Cougars at Rice-Eccles Stadium on Saturday, September 5, 2020.
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