Utah Utes running back Zack Moss (2) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown as Utah and Stanford play a football game in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. Scott G Winterton
STANFORD, Calif. — Utah snapped its two-game skid in impressive fashion Saturday night against 14th-ranked Stanford. Highlighted by cornerback Jaylon Johnson’s 100-yard interception return for a touchdown, the Utes prevailed 40-21 — earning their first win since Sept. 8.
Utah improved to 3-2 overall and 1-2 in Pac-12 play with the victory. It followed setbacks to Washington (21-7) and Washington State (28-24).
"I'm proud of our guys it's been a tough couple of weeks, two tough losses," said Utah coach Kyle Whittingham. "I'm proud of the way the guys rebounded. A total team effort."
The Utes responded early. They scored the game’s first 21 points en route to improving to 4-0 all-time at Stanford Stadium, ending an 11-game home win streak by the Cardinal in the process.
Utah’s first score came on a 7-yard run by running back Zack Moss late in the first quarter. The touchdown capped a 13-play drive that took 6:28 off the clock.
Johnson’s heroics came less than five minutes later. The speedy sophomore intercepted Stanford quarterback KJ Costello and ran down the right sideline to the goal line with 10:50 left in the half. The 100-yard pick-six was the just the third in team history and the first since Harold Lusk did it against Colorado State in 1994.
Leading 14-0, Utah picked off Costello for the second time with defensive tackle Hauati Pututau getting the takeaway. The offense cashed in nine plays later when Moss scored on a 35-yard run with 2:56 to go in the second quarter to make it 21-0.
It didn’t stay that way for long, though.
Before the half was complete, Stanford cut into the deficit. The Cardinal got on the board with a 2-yard touchdown run by Trevor Speights, who started in place of injured Heisman Trophy candidate Bryce Love.
Although just 24 seconds remained, Utah managed to run three plays before kicker Matt Gay made a 48-yard field goal as time expired.
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Utah Utes running back Zack Moss (2) spins in for a touchdown as Utah and Stanford play a football game in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes running back Zack Moss (2) looks for open field to run as Utah and Stanford play a football game in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes defensive back Jaylon Johnson (1) makes an interception and runs the entire length of the field for a touchdown as Utah and Stanford play a football game in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utes wide receiver Demari Simpkins (7) catches a ball during warmups as Utah and Stanford prepare to play a football game in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah players get stretched as they and Stanford prepare to play a football game in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes wide receiver Derrick Vickers (17) walks onto the field during warmups as Utah and Stanford prepare to play a football game in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah and Stanford play a football game in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes wide receiver Jameson Field (10) and Utes wide receiver Demari Simpkins (7) get warmed up as Utah and Stanford prepare to play a football game in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah fans cheer prior to the game as Utah and Stanford prepare to play a football game in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah players run out for warm ups as they and Stanford prepare to play a football game in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah players run out for warm ups as they and Stanford prepare to play a football game in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah band members play prior to Utah and Stanford playing a football game in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes linebacker Chris Hart (8) and Utah Utes defensive back Tareke Lewis (5) greet each other as Utah and Stanford prepare to play a football game in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah players get stretched as they and Stanford prepare to play a football game in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah band members move to their seats as Utah and Stanford prepare to play a football game in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah band members move to their seats as Utah and Stanford prepare to play a football game in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Cheerleaders get ready as Utah and Stanford prepare to play a football game in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Cheerleaders get ready as Utah and Stanford prepare to play a football game in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes defensive end Bradlee Anae (6) hammers Stanford Cardinal wide receiver Michael Wilson (4) to the ground as Utah and Stanford play a football game in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes running back Zack Moss (2) is hit as he gets to the line as Utah and Stanford play a football game in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes defensive end Bradlee Anae (6) brings Stanford Cardinal wide receiver Michael Wilson (4) to the ground as Utah and Stanford play a football game in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes linebacker Chase Hansen (22) and Utah Utes linebacker Cody Barton (30) celebrate after a quarterback sack as Utah and Stanford play a football game in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes running back Zack Moss (2) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown as Utah and Stanford play a football game in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. | Scott G Winterton
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Stanford Cardinal wide receiver JJ Arcega-Whiteside (19) makes a circus catch over Utah Utes defensive back Jaylon Johnson (1) as Utah and Stanford play a football game in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes running back Armand Shyne (6) is tripped up by Stanford Cardinal safety Frank Buncom (5) as Utah and Stanford play a football game in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes defensive back Marquise Blair (13) celebrates as Utah and Stanford play a football game in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Stanford Cardinal wide receiver Trenton Irwin (2) is brought down by a group of Ute defenders as Utah and Stanford play a football game in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes running back Zack Moss (2) celebrates with teammate Utah Utes offensive lineman Alani Havili-Katoa (53) after scoring a touchdown as Utah and Stanford play a football game in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes running back Zack Moss (2) smiles after scoring a touchdown as Utah and Stanford play a football game in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes defensive back Corrion Ballard (15) knocks the ball away from Stanford Cardinal tight end Colby Parkinson (84) as Utah and Stanford play a football game in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes defensive tackle Pita Tonga (49) tries to knock the ball down as Stanford Cardinal quarterback K.J. Costello (3) throws as Utah and Stanford play a football game in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham looks to the official for an explanation on a call as Utah and Stanford play a football game in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes wide receiver Samson Nacua (45) makes a catch and run for a touchdown as Utah goes on to defeat Stanford 40-21 in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes celebrate the Utes 40-21 victory over Stanford in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes wide receiver Samson Nacua (45) makes a catch and run for a touchdown as Utah goes on to defeat Stanford 40-21 in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes defensive back Julian Blackmon (23) celebrates the Utes 40-21 victory over Stanford in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes defensive back Julian Blackmon (23) celebrates the Utes 40-21 victory over Stanford in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes place kicker Matt Gay (97) celebrates a field goal with teammates as Utah and Stanford play a football game in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes defensive back Julian Blackmon (23) is hit by Utah Utes linebacker Francis Bernard (36) as Utah and Stanford play a football game in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Stanford Cardinal running back Trevor Speights (23) is brought down by a group Utes as Utah and Stanford play a football game in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes quarterback Tyler Huntley (1) avoids the rush of Stanford Cardinal linebacker Gabe Reid (90) before heaving the ball down field for teammate Utah Utes wide receiver Samson Nacua (45) as Utah and Stanford play a football game in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes quarterback Tyler Huntley (1) looks for open field to run in as Utah and Stanford play a football game in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes quarterback Tyler Huntley (1) looks for open field to run in as Utah and Stanford play a football game in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes quarterback Tyler Huntley (1) heaves the ball down field for teammate Utah Utes wide receiver Samson Nacua (45) as Utah and Stanford play a football game in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes wide receiver Samson Nacua (45) points skyward after making a catch for a score as Utah and Stanford play a football game in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham watches from the sideline as Utah and Stanford play a football game in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes defensive end Bradlee Anae (6) knocks the ball away from Stanford Cardinal quarterback K.J. Costello (3) Utah and Stanford play a football game in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes defensive end Bradlee Anae (6) knocks the ball away from Stanford Cardinal quarterback K.J. Costello (3) Utah and Stanford play a football game in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes defensive back Corrion Ballard (15) makes an interception as Utah and Stanford play a football game in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes defensive back Corrion Ballard (15) and Utah Utes defensive back Terrell Burgess (26) celebrate an interception as Utah and Stanford play a football game in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes running back Zack Moss (2) looks for open field to run as Utah and Stanford play a football game in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes quarterback Tyler Huntley (1) waits for the snap as Utah and Stanford play a football game in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes defensive end Bradlee Anae (6) battles for a sack on Stanford Cardinal quarterback K.J. Costello (3) as Utah and Stanford play a football game in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes place kicker Matt Gay (97) lines up a field goal as Utah and Stanford play a football game in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes defensive end Bradlee Anae (6)celebrates a sack as Utah and Stanford play a football game in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes defensive back Javelin K. Guidry (28) collides with Stanford Cardinal wide receiver JJ Arcega-Whiteside (19) on a pass reception as Utah and Stanford play a football game in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes defensive end Bradlee Anae (6)celebrates a sack as Utah and Stanford play a football game in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah Utes defensive back Jaylon Johnson (1) and Utah Utes defensive end Nick Heninger (96) chase down a fumble as Utah and Stanford play a football game in Palo Alto California on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
The senior added a 49-yard kick with 9:40 to go in the third quarter as the Utes extended their advantage to 27-7.
Gay’s contributions proved to be critical. Stanford roared back into contention. The Cardinal scored two touchdowns over the final 5:02 of the third quarter. A 1-yard run by Cameron Scarlett and a 26-yard scoring strike from to Michael Wilson allowed them to pull within 27-21.
After Stanford began the game with two punts and two interceptions, the Cardinal reeled off three consecutive touchdown drives.
Utah regained some breathing room following the third one. A 34-yard field goal by Gay made it a two-score game — at 30-21 — with 12:33 left in the fourth quarter. Stanford’s ensuing possession concluded with a punt after defensive end Maxs Tupai sacked Costello on third down near midfield.
The Utes went on to have third-down success on offense as well. Quarterback Tyler Huntley avoided a takedown and threw a 57-yard touchdown pass to Samson Nacua to ice the outcome with 7:12 remaining. The scoring strike was Utah’s first in more than 16 quarters, dating back to the fourth quarter of the season opener against Weber State.
"Today we kept working and put it all together," Huntley said.
Stanford’s next possession ended with a forced fumble by Utah defensive end Bradlee Anae and a recovery by safety Corrion Ballard, giving the Utes the ball on their own 42-yard line. They chewed up nearly two minutes of the 5:32 left on the clock and added a 37-yard field goal from Gay to end all scoring.
Moss wound up with 160 yards on 20 carries. Huntley completed 17 pf 21 passes for 199 yards. The defense added an exclamation mark with a late forced fumble by Javelin Guidry and a recovery by Nick Heninger.
"It was a good win," Whittingham said. "Now we've got a short turnaround. We'll be happy about this for about 12 hours and we've got to get it out of our system."
The Utes host Arizona (3-3, 2-1) on Friday (8 p.m., ESPN).
