Shelley, Shyne Lead Utes Past Oregon, 32-25

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Without two of their stars on offense, the Utah Utes defeated the Oregon Ducks 32-25 at home Saturday night.

The Utes came into the game much maligned with injures to starting quarterback Tyler Huntley and starting running back Zach Moss. They weren’t missed too much as Jason Shelley and Armand Shyne shined after being thrust into the spotlight.

Fast Start For Utah

From the get-go, Shyne played well with a big 42-yard rush on the opening drive to set up a Matt Gay field goal.

Cody Barton forced a fumble on the next drive to give Utah a short field. Shelley punched it in for a 10-0 Utah lead.

.@Utah_Football‘s Jason Shelley touchdown takes the @OpusBank #12Best moment. pic.twitter.com/3ykrSNhQtt

— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) November 11, 2018

Last season’s Lou Groza award winner Matt Gay kicked three more field goals in the first half to take a 19-6 Utah lead into the half time break.

Survival Time In The Second Half

The Ducks got going in the second half when Justin Herbert found Dillon Mitchell on a slant into the end zone for Oregon’s first TD of the game. Both teams also exchanged field goals in the third quarter to make it 22-17 going into the final quarter.

Near the middle of the fourth quarter, Mitch Wishnowsky’s punt was blocked within the Utah 10-yard line giving the Ducks the ball on the 3-yard line. Oregon quickly scored and converted the two-point conversion to take the lead for the first time at 25-22.

Utah immediately responded by scoring on a two-yard quarterback keeper by Shelley to retake the lead at 29-25.

Let’s gooooo @Utah_Football …. way to answer. Shelly with some big throws.

— Eric Weddle (@weddlesbeard) November 11, 2018

The Utes held firm on defense to force a turnover on downs on Oregon’s next possession. Then led by big rushes by Shyne, Utah advanced down the field to set up another short field by Gay.

Key Stats

The Utes gave an inspired defensive performance at the beginning of the game, holding Oregon to just four yards of offense in the first quarter. Oregon responded in the following quarters to finish with 405 total yards.

Shelley and Shyne were terrific in their starting roles, leading the Ute offense to 494 yards. Shelley finished with 262 yards though the air with a pair of scores on the ground. Shyne turned in 174 yards rushing the ball.

Game ball: @ArmandShyne pic.twitter.com/7gUV0inxAd

— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) November 11, 2018

Next Up

The Utes will wrap up Pac-12 play with a road test at Colorado on Nov. 17^th.