Utah Utes see positives despite mistakes

SALT LAKE CITY — Following Thursday night's 27-24 overtime win over Pittsburgh, Utah coach Kyle Whittingham lamented that the Utes made enough mistakes to lose the game.

In fact, he added, they made enough mistakes to lose two games.

The abundance of turnovers and penalties, though, weren't enough to wipe out reality.

"The bottom line is we did beat the No. 15 team in the country, and that speaks volumes about our players and their toughness," Whittingham said.

As such, there were plenty of positives in the season opener. The negative stuff, Whittingham noted, can be corrected as Utah prepares for Saturday's Mountain West Conference opener against UNLV.

The Utes do so on the heels of several solid performances.

On offense, the line didn't give up a single sack against a Pittsburgh defense that led the nation in that category a year ago. Left tackle John Cullen, a newcomer from the junior college ranks, explained that Utah's preparation was the difference. He kept Pitt star defensive end Greg Romeus from getting to quarterback Jordan Wynn.

"I was more prepared for this football game than any other game," Cullen said. "It was great."

Another bright spot was receiver DeVonte Christopher. The sophomore had a career day by hauling in a game-high eight catches for 155 yards, including a 61-yarder for a touchdown.

"That was huge to see him develop as a receiver over the past year," Whittingham said of the former quarterback. "He feels comfortable now."

Christopher acknowledged it was a breakout game.

"That's the plan. You don't know how bad I just wanted to come out here and play like this," he said while heading for the locker room after the game. "I've been working hard this summer, and hard work pays off."

Kicker Joe Phillips topped the special teams effort by making a game-winning 21-yard field goal in overtime.

"I think it was more excitement than pressure," he said.

The defense also rose to the occasion. Whittingham praised the front seven for holding Heisman Trophy candidate Dion Lewis to just 75 yards rushing..

Junior linebacker Chaz Walker led the Utes with 11 tackles.