Chris Samuels, Deseret News 
FRESNO, Calif. — The Utes came into the game with a 6-4 all-time record against the Bulldogs, including having won the last three games in the series. The winning streak over Fresno improved to four games on Saturday night as Utah defeated the Bulldogs, 45-24.
Here is the report card for the Utes.
Offense
The offense looked solid against Fresno State, especially the play of Heisman hopeful Devontae Booker. Booker ran for 156 yards and two touchdowns in the game but also caught five balls for 56 yards to put him at over 200 total yards in the game.
Kendal Thompson managed the Utah offense in a pretty efficient manner as he completed 19 of his 25 pass attempts for 159 yards and a touchdown. However, Thompson did turn over the ball twice, once on an interception and the other time on a fumble.
Utah needs to take better care of the ball as it lost the turnover battle 3-2. It did however get its first passing touchdown of the season in the fourth quarter, something that the Utes likely hope to see much more of as the season progresses. Booker continues to be the driving force in the offensive attack and will likely continue to shine in that role all season long.
Grade: B-
Defense
The defense continues to be the most consistent part of the team for the Utes. Fresno had a tough time moving the ball for most of the game as Utah led 24-3 going into the fourth quarter.
The Bulldogs were able to move the ball in garbage time as they put up 21 points in the fourth quarter, but Utah also put up 21 points in the fourth to keep the game out of reach.
While Fresno's offense looked good in the fourth, it was when the game was already out of reach and when the Utes were letting some second-stringers get some playing time.
The defense forced one turnover in the game when Stevie Tu'ikolovatu recovered a fumble and took it 37 yards for a touchdown.
Grade: A
Special teams:
Utah's special teams was on fire against the Bulldogs, forcing and recovering a fumble to open up the second half, which sparked continued superb play throughout the game.
In the fourth quarter, the special teams went berserk. Cory Butler-Byrd returned a kick 98 yards for a touchdown. Fresno State then punted the ball on the next drive, which Britain Covey returned 77 yards for yet another touchdown.
The plays that were made in special teams were electrifying and gave Utah a ton of momentum going into next week.
Grade: A+
Coaching:
It isn't easy to have to make a switch at quarterback during the middle of the season, but Thompson looked well-prepared for the game and was for the most part very efficient in managing the game. Aside from a few errors and Thompson's part, the coaching staff did a good job preparing him for Fresno State.
Grade: B+
Final verdict:
In reality, the Bulldogs were no match for the Utes. Utah was the better team, and that was clear for the majority of the game. There are definitely several ways for the team to improve, but the effort was enough to top Fresno this time around.
Utah is now 3-0 heading into conference play and is likely going to move up in the polls. The Utes have never won their first game in Pac-12 conference play, but will have the opportunity to change that next Saturday in an exciting matchup against the Oregon Ducks.
You can follow Mitch Kunzler on Twitter at @MitchKunzler.