Kyle Whittingham Gives High Praise To Players After Title Game Loss

SANTA CLARA, Calif. – After Utah lost to Washington 10-3 in the Pac-12 Championship game, head coach Kyle Whittingham had high praise for his players and the effort they have given him all season.

“I am proud of these guys and I am proud to be their coach,” Whittingham said after the game. “Toughest group I have probably ever coached.”

Utah has faced a lot of adversity in 2018, in particular the last month. They lost their starting quarterback Tyler Huntley and starting running back Zack Moss within a week at the start of November.

Utah had many more hills to climb in their Pac-12 championship game against Washington when they lost their top receiver Britain Covey to an injury as well as having to keep their defense on the field for 38 minutes of the game with the offense struggling and committing three turnovers.

What was the message Coach Whittingham told his team after tonight’s game?

“Keep their heads up.”

Watch Inside Pac-12 Football: Football Championship Postgame live: https://t.co/ZhZuI5ezsa pic.twitter.com/99AtraTvoy

— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) December 1, 2018

The Utes have had comebacks over Oregon and BYU and had some bumps in the road along the way.

Whittingham has seen his fair share of adversity in his head coaching career at Utah where he went most of his Pac-12 career changing quarterbacks at least once during the season.

He has always countered with a tough nosed defense that grind out wins whether it is 45-44 or 3-0.

To say that this is the toughest group he has ever coached is a compliment to the players on the 2018 team.

“Toughest group of guys I’ve ever been around. I am proud to be your coach.”
– Coach Whitt pic.twitter.com/YRraMIYG6Y

— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) December 1, 2018