Pressed Ducks: Utes rally, then hang on for a huge win

Utah 17, Oregon 13

Utah coach Urban Meyer got what he asked for against 19th-ranked Oregon.

His pleas for a packed house and more playmakers were answered Friday night as the Utes defeated the Ducks 17-13.

"This was a great win for Utah football," Meyer said. "I've coached for 19 years and I've never been more proud of a group of guys and I really mean that."

With a national television audience watching on ESPN2 and the sixth-largest crowd in Rice-Eccles Stadium history (44,676) packed into the stands, the program picked up its first victory over a ranked team in nearly four years. At 4-1 overall, the Utes will likely end up in the top 25 themselves.

"Hopefully this will get us into the ranking this week," freshman Steve Savoy said. "This is a big win."

An 8-yard touchdown pass from Alex Smith to tight end Ben Moa gave Utah its first and only lead with 13:07 remaining. It capped a spirited rally that featured timely performances on both sides of the ball.

Smith had a career performance by completing 25-of-38 passes for 340 yards and two touchdowns. Savoy also had his best game as a Ute.

He caught six passes for 176 yards and a score on a night when Utah racked up 466 yards of total offense.

Facing a rushing defense that ranked sixth in the nation and allowed just 59.2 yards per game, tailback Brandon Warfield managed 74 on 22 carries. It complemented a passing attack that as Meyer promised would be less conservative. Former Oregon receiver Paris Warren, who transferred to Utah two years ago, had 10 catches for 54 yards against his old team. He also had 32 yards rushing.

Strong efforts also came on defense. Freshman Eric Weddle, in just his second career start at cornerback, recovered a fumble after hitting Oregon quarterback Jason Fife near midfield with less than five minutes remaining. It ended the last serious threat the Ducks had.

"Ever since the second half of the Texas A&M game these guys have been terrific," Utah defensive coordinator Kyle Whittingham said. "They are just a resilient, gutsy group. They just keep getting better and better each week."

Freshman Shaun Harper also made a big play down the stretch when he batted a fourth-down pass down with 2:21 to go. Other defenders of note include Josh Savage, who broke up three passes, and Marquess Ledbetter, who was credited with three sacks.