Zack Moss breaks two more Utah rushing records, Jason Shelley scores two touchdowns in Utah’s 35-0 win over Cal
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Utah Utes running back Zack Moss (2) runs for a touchdown, putting the Utes up 7-0 after the PAT, during the game against the California Golden Bears at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019. Spenser Heaps, Deseret News
SALT LAKE CITY — Coming off a record-setting performance against Arizona State in which he broke Eddie Johnson’s career rushing record, Zack Moss is setting more records at the University of Utah.
In a great performance in a 35-0 win against Cal, Moss broke two more Ute rushing records.
“It always feels really good when it comes in a win and the fashion that it came in tonight. Just grateful everything went well, everyone got out injury free. It was a good night.” — Utah’s Zack Moss
“It always feels really good when it comes in a win and the fashion that it came in tonight. Just grateful everything went well, everyone got out injury free. It was a good night,” Moss said.
Moss capped off a 99-yard Utah touchdown drive with a four-yard rushing touchdown — the Utes’ first score of the night. The rushing touchdown was Moss’s 32nd of his career, breaking Del Rodgers’ record of 31 career rushing touchdowns. Rogers’ record stood for 38 years before Moss broke it Saturday night. The senior from Hallandale, Fla., set up the touchdown run with a 69-yard reception from Tyler Huntley. Moss finished the game with two rushing scores.
Moss rushed for 115 yards — his 15th 100-yard rushing game — to set another school record. Moss surpassed John White (2011-12) and Devonte Booker (2014-15), who both had 14 career 100-yard rushing games.
Moss earned that school record in the third quarter on a 9-yard run. The play after, he added a 10-yard touchdown. It looked like he was going to be tackled in the backfield, but Moss stopped on a dime and jumped back to get past one Cal defender, then found a crease and stepped over another Cal player to get in the end zone.
“That’s awesome for Zack, I knew he was close to that,” Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said. “He’s a special back and he’s got the whole package. He’s got a great skillset and we’re fortunate to have him and fortunate that we came back for his senior year.”
Moss headlined a strong Ute rushing attack that gained 231 yards on the ground.
“We knew we had a chance to run the ball, and that’s always where it starts with us. That opened up the throw game. I thought it was a good plan and well-executed,” Whittingham said.
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Utah Utes players celebrate their 35-0 win over the California Golden Bears at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News
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Utah Utes defensive back Julian Blackmon (23) and defensive back Josh Nurse (14) celebrate after Utah defense forced the California Golden Bears into a fourth down at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News
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Utah Utes quarterback Jason Shelley (15) runs the ball for a touchdown, putting the Utes up 21-0 after the PAT, during the game against the California Golden Bears at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News
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Utah Utes running back Zack Moss (2) runs for a touchdown, putting the Utes up 7-0 after the PAT, during the game against the California Golden Bears at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News
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Utah Utes running back Zack Moss (2) celebrates after running for a touchdown, putting the Utes up 7-0 after the PAT, during the game against the California Golden Bears at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News
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Utah Utes wide receiver Bryan Thompson (19) makes the catch on a 40-yard pass from quarterback Tyler Huntley (1) to score a touchdown, putting the Utes up 14-0 after the PAT, during the game against the California Golden Bears at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News
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Utah fans celebrate after a touchdown during the game against the California Golden Bears at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News
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Utah Utes running back Zack Moss (2) runs the ball, falling just short of the end zone, during the game against the California Golden Bears at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News
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Utah Utes quarterback Jason Shelley (15) is tackled by California Golden Bears safety Jaylinn Hawkins (6) on a keeper during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News
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Utah Utes running back Zack Moss (2) evades the tackle from California Golden Bears cornerback Elijah Hicks (3) on a run during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News
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Utah Utes quarterback Tyler Huntley (1) passes during the game against the California Golden Bears at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News
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Utah Utes defensive tackle Leki Fotu (99) celebrates after sacking California Golden Bears quarterback Spencer Brasch (13) during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News
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California Golden Bears quarterback Spencer Brasch (13) runs under pressure during the game against the Utah Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News
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Utah Utes quarterback Jason Shelley (15) celebrates after running the ball for a touchdown, putting the Utes up 21-0 after the PAT, during the game against the California Golden Bears at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News
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Utah Utes defensive tackle Leki Fotu (99) sacks California Golden Bears quarterback Spencer Brasch (13) during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News
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Utah Utes wide receiver Bryan Thompson (19) and wide receiver Solomon Enis (21) celebrate after Thompson scored on a 40-yard pass from quarterback Tyler Huntley (1), putting the Utes up 14-0 after the PAT, during the game against the California Golden Bears at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News
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Utah Utes wide receiver Bryan Thompson (19) celebrates after scoring a touchdown on a 40-yard pass from quarterback Tyler Huntley (1), putting the Utes up 14-0 after the PAT, during the game against the California Golden Bears at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News
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Utah Utes running back Devonta'e Henry-Cole (7) is tackled by California Golden Bears linebacker Evan Weaver (89) during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News
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Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham calls a timeout during the game against the California Golden Bears at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News
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Utah Utes wide receiver Samson Nacua (45) and teammates celebrate their 35-0 win over the California Golden Bears at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News
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Native Americans, mainly members of the Ute tribe, perform a dance during half time of the game between the Utah Utes and the California Golden Bears at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News
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Utah Utes running back Jordan Wilmore (5) evades the tackle by California Golden Bears linebacker Braxten Croteau (52) during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News
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Utah Utes defensive back Terrell Burgess (26) tackles California Golden Bears running back Marcel Dancy (23) during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News
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Utah Utes defensive back Tareke Lewis (5) takes to the field before the game against the California Golden Bears at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News
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Utah Utes defensive end Maxs Tupai (92) sacks California Golden Bears quarterback Robby Rowell (15) during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News
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Utah Utes quarterback Tyler Huntley (1) warms up before the game against the California Golden Bears at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News
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Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham walks the field as players stretch before the game against the California Golden Bears at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News
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Utah Utes wide receiver Cameron Gardner (83) and teammates stretch before the game against the California Golden Bears at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News
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Utah Utes offensive lineman Paul Toala (65) puts his helmet on as he heads out for warm ups before the game against the Utah Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News
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Utah Utes running back Zack Moss (2) leads teammates onto the field to warm up before the game against the California Golden Bears at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News
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Utah Utes quarterback Tyler Huntley (1) takes to the field to warm up before the game against the California Golden Bears at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News
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Utah Utes quarterback Tyler Huntley (1) warms up before the game against the California Golden Bears at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News
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Utah Utes quarterback Tyler Huntley (1) and teammates stretch before the game against the California Golden Bears at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News
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California Golden Bears players stretch before the game against the Utah Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News
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California Golden Bears defensive end JH Tevis (47) and teammates take to the field to warm up before the game against the Utah Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News
SHELLEY STARTS SECOND HALF: Heading into the Cal game, quarterbacks Drew Lisk and Jason Shelley looked to be neck-and-neck to be the backup up to Tyler Huntley. In his Monday press conference, Whittingham didn’t reveal his cards and it was anyone’s best guess as to who was going to be the backup. Lisk and Shelley had both played as the No. 2 quarterback at different points in the season, but against Cal, Shelley was tabbed as the backup.
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Shelley was brought in at points in the first half, with mostly run plays being called when he came in. He scored a rushing touchdown with 4:50 left in the second quarter.
With a minute left in the first half, Shelley helped engineer a touchdown, rushing to convert a fourth-and-1 and then completing two passes in a row — one for a score.
Shelley started the second half and was Utah’s quarterback until early in the fourth quarter, when Lisk entered the game. Shelley finished the night 4-for-5 with 28 passing yards, 24 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
Perhaps Shelley’s best play of the night came off the ball. He had a great block on Moss’ 25-yard run in the third quarter, following to the outside of Moss and laying down a block on Cal safety Ashtyn Davis.