In a Pac-12 finale clash on Saturday, senior walk-on quarterback Luke Bottari led the Utah Utes to a 23-17 victory over the Colorado Buffaloes. Bottari rushed for two touchdowns in place of the absent Bryson Barnes, who is out due to an undisclosed injury.
The Utes’ ground game dominated, with running back Jaylon Glover notching a career-high 107 yards and two additional rushers contributing 68 yards each. Furthermore, Utah placekicker Cole Becker secured the win with three field goals.
Utah, now with a record of 8-4 (5-4 Pac-12), managed this rebound victory after consecutive losses. The Utes had lost their previous two games against the Arizona Wildcats and Washington Huskies, respectively.
The recent win at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City also marked Utah’s seventh consecutive win over the Buffaloes in their rivalry series. Starting in 1903, the two teams have played each other 67 times.
Utah is now leading the competition with 34 wins, while Colorado has 32 wins. The two have had several close games over the years, with many of them being decided by a touchdown or less.
Defensive dominance
Facing Colorado, Utah adopted a ground-focused strategy in the first half. The game began with a solid defensive play by the Utes as linebacker Connor O’Toole sacked Colorado’s quarterback Ryan Staub, causing a fumble recovered by defensive line Van Fillinger.
Shortly after, Bottari scored his first college touchdown with a 2-yard QB sneak, establishing a 7-0 lead. Bottari attempted only three passes in the game but completed all of them. The Utes managed to amass 135 rushing yards before the half.
Utah expanded its lead to 10-0 early in the second quarter with Becker’s successful 34-yard field goal. Three minutes later, Colorado executed a trick play, cutting the lead to 10-7 as wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. lateraled to running back Dylan Edwards for a 30-yard touchdown reception.
After exchanging field goals, Bottari’s 1-yard rushing TD extended Utah’s lead to 20-10 midway through the third. Becker’s third field goal increased the Utes’ advantage to 13 points with 11:31 left in the game.
Bottari’s crucial 16-yard pass to wide receiver Luca Caldarella on 4th down set up his second touchdown run on a 1-yard keeper in the third quarter. Utah later gained a lead to 23-10 early in the fourth quarter thanks to Becker’s 31-yard field goal.
Bottari completed 6 of 10 passes for 61 yards, but the Utes’ rushing attack and defense played crucial roles. Utah amassed 268 rushing yards and secured key first downs in a late drive, sealing the win after the Buffaloes narrowed the gap to a touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Staub, who debuted as a Colorado starter in the game, threw for 195 yards and a touchdown. He connected with cornerback-wide receiver Travis Hunter for 107 yards and a score.
However, despite totaling 262 yards against Utah’s defense, the Buffaloes could not bridge the gap in the second half. Bottari and the Utes controlled possession through a 12-play, 44-yard drive, including a successful fourth-down conversion.
This marked the final Pac-12 game for both programs, as they are set to join the Big 12 next season. The victory also signifies the conclusion of an era for Utah football in the Pac-12, officially concluding their 12-season tenure in the conference.