Despite Rose Bowl Result, Utah Football Had Successful Season
Jan 1, 2022, 10:29 PM
Utah Utes players pay tribute to Ty Jordan and Aaron Lowe during the fourth quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Rose Bowl Game at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 01, 2022 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES – The University of Utah football had their magical season come to a heartbreaking end with a 48-45 loss to Ohio State in the Rose Bowl Game.
In what was considered one of the most entertaining games in the college bowl season, Utah came up three points short.
Despite the loss, Utah football coaches, players and fans have plenty to be proud of for the season they had in 2021.
Dealing With Adversity, Tragedy
When Ty Jordan tragically passed away on Christmas night in 2020, Utah decided to turn something tragic into something beautiful. The tributes to Jordan was spread throughout the offseason.
Then the 2021 season started but not the way that many expected. They lost to their rival BYU, which snapped a nine-game winning streak over the Cougars. Then they were defeated by old Mountain West foe San Diego State.
Utah flipped a switch as they began Pac-12 play. But they had to go through another tragedy after Aaron Lowe was shot and killed on September 26.
From that point, the team decided to come together rather than fall apart and went on to win eight of their last 10 games.
Forever proud of this team. pic.twitter.com/r0jX24EsYT
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) January 2, 2022
Young, Talented Players Coming Back
Utah has their quarterback of the future with Cam Rising. Tavion Thomas and Micah Bernard are the future at running back. The Utes have a solid foundation on the offensive line. Brant Kuithe and Dalton Kincaid are putting their NFL futures on hold for one more season.
Defensively, Xavier Carlton, Van Fillinger, Junior Tafuna and others have a bright future on the defense line. The linebacker room is stocked full of talent. Clark Phillips, Cole Bishop and others have shown what they can do in the secondary.
Utah is just scratching the surface on the places they could go. Fans should buckle up and enjoy the ride. There is more to come with Utah football.
Trevor Allen is a Utah Utes Insider for sports.ksl.com, Co-Host of Faith, Family and Football podcast with Clark Phillips III and host of the Crimson Corner podcast. Follow him on Twitter: @TrevorASports.
