Utah Utes football: 16-game streak comes to an end

EUGENE, Ore. — Snap, quackle, pop.

And just like that, Utah's hold on the nation's longest active winning streak has come to an end.

The 18th-ranked Utes were on the short end of a 31-24 decision to the Oregon Ducks. Saturday's setback at Autzen Stadium was their first loss since falling to BYU in November of 2007.

"We all wish this could have gone on for infinity," said Utah coach Kyle Whittingham. "But it wasn't the case."

Whittingham, however, was pleased with the effort down the stretch. The Utes had their chances to extend their string of victories to 17.

"We're going through some growing pains right now as a team. That's evident. We're figuring out who we are in a lot of ways," Whittingham said. "But I'll tell you one thing, I'm proud as can be of this football team for hanging in there and finding a way to have a chance to win it at the end."

After trailing by 18 points midway through the third quarter, Utah battled back to make things interesting — cutting the deficit to four entering the final 18:46 of play.

"I was sure we'd find a way to win," Whittingham said. "But it wasn't to be. It wasn't our day. Credit to Oregon."

Utah's final five drives ended with a pair of punts, two interceptions and an expired clock.

During the Utes' drought, the Ducks added a 31-yard field goal by Morgan Flint to its lead. An earlier attempt to extend things was thwarted by a Robert Johnson interception in the end zone.

The Oregon defense later sealed the outcome with a key pick of its own — sealing the deal when free safety John Boyett intercepted a Terrance Cain pass on the Oregon 8 with 1:56 left to play.

"They made the play and we didn't," Whittingham said. "But the guts and toughness that our guys demonstrated to hang in there and continue to fight ... I'm very proud of them."

Statistically, though, it wasn't the best of games for Utah.

Cain completed just 20-of-41 passes for 178 yards. He was intercepted twice. Running back Matt Asiata, who saw limited reps in practice earlier in the week, was held to 54 yards on 15 carries.

Utah's special teams unit gave up a touchdown on a punt, and the Utes' defense allowed Oregon running back LaMichael James to rush for 152 yards.