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Players with Utah ties make impacts in Super Bowl

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By Brandon Gurney, Deseret News

Published: Sunday, Feb. 3 2013 9:20 p.m. MST

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, rear right, is sacked by Baltimore Ravens linebacker Paul Kruger (99) as defensive end Pernell McPhee (90) helps during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl XLVII football game, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013, in New Orleans.

Evan Vucci, Associated Press

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Summary

Six players with local ties made the trip to the Super Bowl with several of them playing key roles.

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The state of Utah was well-represented in Super Bowl XLVII with seven players with local ties taking part. Several of them made key contributions in helping the Baltimore Ravens secure a 34-31 victory.

Dennis Pitta — Baltimore Ravens (BYU): The former Cougar tight end had four receptions for 26 yards, including a 1-yard touchdown reception midway through the second quarter that gave the Ravens a 14-3 lead.

Paul Kruger — Baltimore Ravens (Utah/Timpanogos High): Kruger was used primarily in passing situations and contributed three tackles and one tackle-for-loss. He also had two sacks, including one during a third and goal situation that forced the 49ers to settle for a field goal in the first half.

Haloti Ngata — Baltimore Ravens (Highland High): Ngata had just two tackles and was forced to leave the game early in the third quarter with a sprained knee.

Ma'ake Kemoeatu — Baltimore Ravens (Utah): Kemoeatu had just one tackle, but played well as the Ravens' starting nose tackle.

Will Tukuafu — San Francisco 49ers (East High): Tukuafu did not record a stat, but was used several times at fullback during short-yardage situations.

Alex Smith — San Francisco 49ers (Utah): Smith did not play as Collin Kaepernick's backup.

David Reed -- Baltimore Raves (Utah): Reed was listed on the Super Bowl roster, but did not record a stat in the game

Email: bgurney@desnews.com

Twitter: @BrandonCGurney

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Featured Comments

See all 20 comments »
Scott Farcus
Beaver, UT

A Safety! The game came down to a Safety. I couldn't stop laughing watching the Big Brother out smart his Little Brother.

Reminded me of the "Holy War" Utah always taking the advantage over Little Brother.

Pita More..

  • 7:37 a.m. Feb. 4, 2013
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motorbike
Cottonwood Heights, UT

Kruger and Pitta certainly deserve the rings they'll be getting - great games by them both.

  • 12:43 a.m. Feb. 4, 2013
  • Top comment
3grandslams
Iowa City, IA

Loved Pitta's game, 49ers were award of him and opened up some great lanes for Boldin. His TD was simply because his cover guy was expecting too much of an out route. Pitta simply read coverage stopped, yawned and caught a Superbowl TD!! Nice More..

  • 10:12 a.m. Feb. 4, 2013
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About the Author
Brandon Gurney

Brandon Gurney

Brandon Gurney covers recruiting, high school sports, and BYU athletics for the Deseret News. Previously, he worked with scout.com for eight years, covering BYU, with an emphasis on recruit coverage. He joined the Deseret more ..

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