I live for those moments. I guess that’s why I’m a kicker. I love those high-pressure moments. – Utah kicker Andy Phillips
PASADENA, Calif. — Utah coach Kyle Whittingham admits he has never really understood what “signature win” means. However, the term was something he mentioned after the Utes’ 30-28 upset of No. 8 UCLA Saturday night at the Rose Bowl.
“This is a big win for us on the road,” Whittingham said. “It’s one game. We don’t want to go overboard and pat ourselves on the back too long. But it says what our capabilities are if we play a complete game and play smart and play a full 60 minutes.”
Whittingham added that he was hopeful that the win over the previously unbeaten Bruins would be a confidence-builder for the Utes (4-1, 1-1), who are ranked 24th in this week’s Associated Press Top 25 — their first listing in a national poll since 2010.
“Not that they lack confidence,” he continued. “But give them a little infusion of feeling pretty good about themselves.”
There were certainly plenty of things to be pleased about.
Utah’s defense put a lot of pressure on UCLA quarterback Brett Hundley. The Utes sacked him 10 times.
“That was the game plan going in,” said defensive end Hunter Dimick. “We knew we had to take care of him first and foremost.”
Nate Orchard, who finished with a career-high 11 tackles, led the effort on Hundley with four sacks — tying a school record.
Another bright spot for the defense was a 27-yard interception return for a touchdown by Tevin Carter in the first quarter.
The Utes also scored points in the other two phases of the game.
Offensively, backup quarterback Kendal Thompson replaced starter Travis Wilson after Utah’s first three drives each ended with three plays and a punt. Thompson completed his first eight passes and played the remainder of the game.
“Kendal came in and did a nice job and was moving the team, taking care of the football, and it was our judgment as coaches to stick with it and continue throughout the rest of the game with that change-up,” Whittingham said.
Early in the second quarter, the Oklahoma transfer teamed with Dres Anderson on a 42-yard scoring strike. By game’s end, Thompson completed 10 of 13 passes for 95 yards. He also rushed for 83 yards.
“My mindset was to stay ahead of the chains and when things aren’t there, use my legs, and I feel like that was successful,” Thompson said.
Running back Devontae Booker headlined the Utes’ ground game, rushing for 156 yards on 33 carries. The junior had a 6-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.
Utah finished with 242 yards rushing.
Whittingham said when a team does that against the talent UCLA has in its front seven, they’ve done some pretty good work. The Bruins, he added, have some guys that are beasts and are as good as there is in the country.
The Utes’ success running the ball, Whittingham continued, is a real tribute to the running backs, offensive line and Thompson.
On the special teams front, kicker Andy Phillips made three fields goals and three PATs. His biggest kick came with 34 seconds remaining when he nailed what proved to be the game-winner from 29 yards out.
“I live for those moments. I guess that’s why I’m a kicker,” Phillips said. “I love those high-pressure moments.”
Punter Tom Hackett also had a strong outing. He averaged 49.2 yards on eight punts, pinning four inside the UCLA 12-yard line.
“This was a huge team win. We couldn’t do it without all the players on the team,” Booker said. “We just came out, executed and got a great team win tonight.”
The Utes have a bye this week before returning to action Thursday, Oct. 16 at Oregon State (4-1, 1-1).
Email: dirk@desnews.com
Twitter: @DirkFacer