Utes have a big second quarter

Utes extend lead

Utah has surged ahead to a 28-6 lead at halftime by outscoring UNLV 21-3 in the second quarter at Sam Boyd Stadium.

Utah led just 7-6 midway through the second quarter, but scored two quick touchdowns and then added a defensive score just before the half. When the run was over, the Utes had scored three touchdowns in a span of just 6:18.

Ben Hendy caught a 6-yard pass from Terrance Cain and then Cain ran in a 6-yard touchdown.

Robert Johnson added the final score of the half on a 70-yard fumble return after Christian Cox intercepted a pass and then fumbled the ball.

Omar Clayton was 13 of 25 for 149 yards, but threw two interceptions in the first half. Channing Trotter ran for 34 yards for the Rebels.

Cain threw for just 69 yards, but did have two Utah touchdown passes. Cain is also the Utes’ leading rusher with 31 yards. Utah will receive the ball to start the second half after winning the opening coin toss and deferring their option.

Misleading stats

The Rebels have outgained the Utes 186-139 in the half, but once again find themselves on the short end of a lopsided score. The UNLV defense is playing far better than it has in recent weeks, but the offense is putting the team in very bad position with turnovers.

Confusion?

Both schools wear red, so it’s difficult to determine which team the majority of the fans are rooting for, though the Utah fans are louder and have had more to cheer about.

But what about the players? Omar Clayton fired a pass over the middle that appeared like it was probably intended for Michael Johnson. Instead, it sailed over the receiver’s head and right into the numbers of Utah free safety Robert Johnson.

Perhaps Clayton was just reading the name on the back of the jersey and got confused as to who he was supposed to throw it to. That would certainly explain how badly he missed his receiver. Johnson now has five interceptions on the season for Utah.

Settling for less

UNLV had to settle for field goals on each of its first two trips inside the red zone. Actually, the Rebels had goal-to-go situations on both drives. That is not the way to pull an upset against a ranked team that is a 17-point favorite.

Utah has had three drives last three plays or less, but it was able to score touchdowns on the other three drives after getting inside the 10-yard line. That is why the Utes are ranked and the Rebels will soon be looking for a new coach.