Utah Utes football: By the numbers

Utes 28, Air Force 23

Player of the game

Brian Blechen

Utes' freshman safety had a team-high nine tackles, and he also intercepted a pass and recovered a fumble.

X factor

Utah's season-best five takeaways proved pivotal. The Utes recovered three fumbles and picked off a pair of passes in improving to 8-0 on the season.

By the numbers

Utah's 19 first downs led to a final time-of-possession advantage of more than 12-1/2 minutes. It offset a 411-327 deficit in total offensive yardage.

Quotable

"Air Force is a tough team. We knew coming in it would take all four quarters."

Jordan Wynn

Utah quarterback

Up next

VS. TCU

When: Saturday, 1:30 p.m.

Where: Rice-Eccles Stadium

TV: CBS C Radio: 700 AM

Update: The undefeated, heavily favored Horned Frogs beat UNLV 48-6.