Where will the Utes go from here?

Utah running back Micah Bernard sits up after being hit by BYU linebacker Ben Bywater (33) as during game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. BYU won 26-17, ending a nine-game losing streak to the Utes. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

After tough loss to BYU, things don’t get any easier for the Utes, who will face 2-0 San Diego State on Saturday

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The streak is over.

The Utes’ 26-17 loss at BYU ended their nine-game winning streak in the rivalry and knocked them out of national rankings.

But one thing that coach Kyle Whittingham has made clear — the loss takes nothing away from the ultimate goal of capturing a Pac-12 championship.

This week, Utah has another nonconference game, at San Diego State, and it’s a chance to right the ship before it opens Pac-12 play next week at home against Washington State.

Certainly, the Utes have much to work on this week.

One of the bright spots for Utah was the performance of running back Micah Bernard. But moving forward, the Utes need to get better in a hurry.

Numbers game

0: Number of turnovers and sacks caused by Utah’s defense against BYU.

146: Career-high rushing yards by running back Micah Bernard.

27-2: Utah’s record against regular-season nonconference opponents since joining the Pac-12 in 2011.

From the archives

Extra points

• Catch up on Utah’s 2022 recruiting class (Deseret News)
• USC fires head football coach Clay Helton (Deseret News)
• One thing Kyle Whittingham found “very disappointing” during defeat to BYU (Deseret News)
• Utah Utes football report card: Utes fail rivalry test in loss to BYU (Deseret News)

Fanalyst

Comments from Deseret News readers

“Joe, I agree with your assessment. However, I think your grades are far too charitable. One game does not a season make. However, Brewer and Thomas will long be remembered for their generosity to BYU Football as well as their overall inept performances Saturday evening. Not to be outdone, the entire Utah Football Program appears to be over-rated. However, the Utah Football Program has 10 more chances to prove otherwise. Hopefully, they will change the over-rated perception ... but you never know.”

— There You Go Again

“Tons of silver linings under those storm clouds my friend. I hear you on both games, there was so much talent showcased, it’s up to the coaching staff to get that talent working together. This still could be a great year for the Utes. I could see Utah still going 10-2 or 9-3 if they iron out the wrinkles in the next 3 weeks.”

— Josh from london

Up next

Sept. 16 | 5 p.m. | Soccer | at Utah State | @Logan

Sept. 16 | 5 p.m. | Volleyball | at BYU | @Provo

Sept. 18 | 5 p.m. | Football | at San Diego State | @Carson, California | CBSSN

Sept. 22 | 9 p.m. | Women’s volleyball | at Washington | @Seattle

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