Utah wins 28-14 over UCF in the season finale

On By Littum

The Utah Utes ended their 2024 football season on a high note, snapping a seven-game losing streak with a 28-14 victory over the UCF Knights in Orlando. The Utes, known for their defensive prowess, leaned heavily on their defense and scored two touchdowns off turnovers, including a game-defining 60-yard pick-six by Zemaiah Vaughn in the second quarter. The win improved Utah’s record to 5-7 overall and 2-7 in Big 12 play, though the team fell short of bowl eligibility for the first time since 2020.

The Utes’ defense set the tone early, recovering a fumble by UCF quarterback Dylan Rizk on the game’s opening drive. This led to a 37-yard field goal by Cole Becker, giving Utah an early lead. Midway through the second quarter, Vaughn Rizk intercepted and returned it for a touchdown, putting Utah up 10–0. While UCF responded with an 89-yard touchdown drive capped by RJ Harvey’s 5-yard run, Utah managed to maintain momentum. A 24-yard field goal by Trey Coleman extended their lead to 13-7 at halftime.

In the second half, Utah’s offense showed flashes of life. Luke Bottari, Utah’s fourth starting quarterback of the season, connected with Landen King for a 15-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter, making it 21-7. Bottari finished the game completing 13 of 20 passes for 111 yards. Micah Bernard also contributed significantly to the offense as he rushed for 87 yards on 22 carries. But the Utes’ defense ultimately sealed the win. Smith Snowden intercepted a pass from UCF backup quarterback EJ Colson and returned it 13 yards for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter, extending Utah’s lead to 28-7.

Despite being outgained 379-198 in total yards, Utah took advantage of UCF’s mistakes, forcing three turnovers and turning them into 21 points. Meanwhile, RJ Harvey was a bright spot for UCF as he rushed for 119 yards and broke the program record for career touchdowns with his 47th. However, UCF closed their season on a sour note, losing eight of their last nine games to finish 4-8.

The win gave Utah a small silver lining in an otherwise challenging season plagued by injuries, especially at quarterback. As the Utes look toward the offseason, questions are rising about the future of head coach Kyle Whittingham, who has hinted at retirement after 20 seasons with the program.