SALT LAKE CITY “”mdash; A little bit of snow didn’t give Utah much of a home-field advantage early in the game, and UCLA capitalized on it.
That’s when the Utes put the ball in the hands of running back John White IV and rode his shifty feet to the end zone.
With an offense struggling to pass the ball down the snow-covered field, White accounted for the entirety of Utah’s go-ahead scoring drive, rushing for 39 yards and a touchdown to give the Utes a 7-3 lead at the half.
UCLA took an early lead after senior kicker Tyler Gonzalez made a 30-yard field goal in the first quarter. That came four plays after special teamer Isaiah Bowens hopped on a muffed Utah punt.
That was the Utes’ only miscue. The Bruins have had plenty of their own ““ 10 penalties for 76 yards have played a part in their offense failing to reach the redzone since the early field goal.
The snow has since subsided, but with temperatures just about freezing both offenses have struggled with throwing. Utah quarterback Jon Hays has passed for just five yards. UCLA redshirt junior Kevin Prince has fared marginally better, completing three-of-six passes for 38 yards.
Gonzalez missed a field goal at the halftime horn that would have cut the lead to one. Utah will receive the ball to start the second half.