Michigan vs. Utah: Score, Highlights and Twitter Reaction

The Michigan Wolverines made their highly anticipated debut under head coach Jim Harbaugh Thursday night, but Utah refused to let the Maize and Blue's new era get off to a prosperous start. 

While Michigan threatened to tie things up down the stretch, some shoddy quarterback play sent the Wolverines tumbling to a 24-17 defeat in enemy territory. 

According to B/R Insights, Michigan has now lost eight of its last 11 games against Pac-12 opponents, including six straight.  

"We're a dangerous team," Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham said on the Fox television set after the game, according to Fox Sports' Stewart Mandel. "...You better play your best game if you're going to have a chance to beat us."

Senior quarterback Travis Wilson did a commendable job controlling tempo for Utah's offense, and he generally excelled when it came to keeping Michigan's disciplined defense on its toes.  

Wilson finished his 2015 opener by completing 24 of 33 passes for 208 yards and an interception while rushing for 53 yards and a touchdown, including a 14-yard third-quarter score

CFB on Fox provided a look at Wilson's touchdown scamper, which proved to be the game's decisive score: 

"

Travis Wilson keeps it and scores! Utah leads Michigan 17-3 in the 3rd quarter. #MICHvsUTAH https://t.co/EzKcNy9HQ2

— FOX Sports 1 (@FOXSports1) September 4, 2015"

But when it came to Michigan's performance under center, the story differed. 

Harbaugh cloaked Michigan's quarterback situation in mystery all summer long, but as expected, fifth-year senior transfer Jake Rudock drew the start over junior Shane Morris. 

The former Iowa Hawkeye completed 27 of 43 passes for 279 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions, including a pick-six midway through the fourth quarter that put things out of reach for Michigan, as relayed by CFB on Fox: 

"

Pick 6!! Justin Thomas takes it to the crib. Utah leads Michigan 24-10 in the 4th quarter. #MICHvsUTAH https://t.co/vZDZKqzHRs

— FOX Sports 1 (@FOXSports1) September 4, 2015"

However, Rudock flashed some promise prior to the late turnover as the Wolverines settled down and worked the middle of the field throughout the third and fourth quarters.

His most complete second-half drive resulted in a pretty touchdown pass to tight end Jake Butt, per CFB on Fox: 

"

What a throw and catch! Jake Rudock to Jake Butt for the score. Utah 17, Michigan 10. #MICHvsUTAH https://t.co/b1W7jlZ6w4

— FOX Sports 1 (@FOXSports1) September 4, 2015"

Butt was Rudock's preferred target all night long, and the junior finished with eight catches for 93 yards to go with the touchdown. Senior receiver Amara Darboh was also steady, hauling in eight receptions for a game-high 101 yards and a late score that helped mask some of Michigan's offensive deficiencies. 

And while Michigan was able to find sources of consistency through the air, the same can't be said for its ground game. The Wolverines gained just 76 yards on 29 carries, which resulted in a meager 2.6 yards-per-carry average against a stout Utah front. 

Conversely, Utah running back Devontae Booker—who told ESPN.com's David Lombardi in March that he's "planning on rushing for 2,000 yards and winning the Heisman"—finished the evening with 22 carries for 69 yards and a touchdown, and he added a team-high seven receptions for 55 yards.  

Sporting News' Eric Galko passed along a first-half observation regarding Booker's run-after-catch capabilities:  

"

Booker's ability to cut, gain speed AND be a power back in the open field is why he's so tough to stop, especially after catch #Utah

— Eric Galko (@OptimumScouting) September 4, 2015"

CBS Sports' Dane Brugler joined in by marveling at Booker's soft hands out of the backfield: 

Michigan and Utah traded field goals for the game's only points over the first 16 minutes, but the Utes worked their way into a rhythm as the first half progressed.

Wilson proceeded to lead an 11-play, 75-yard drive that was punctuated by a one-yard touchdown plunge from Booker to give Utah a 10-3 lead just minutes into the second quarter. With the season's first touchdown drive under his belt, Wilson had completed nine of 11 passes for 100 yards as Utah consistently worked short and intermediate routes to get the offense rolling.  

A year after Wilson shredded Michigan's defense for 141 yards and a touchdown on 15 dropbacks faced while not under pressure, per B/R Insights, the senior picked up right where he left off as Utah struggled to get things going on the ground. 

The Wolverines stayed true to the Harbaugh way throughout the first half as they tried—and failed—to establish the power running game behind De'Veon Smith, Derrick Green and Ty Isaac. In fact, the first half came and went without Michigan converting a first down on the ground. 

And ultimately, Michigan’s offensive woes over the first 30 minutes were emblematic of the team’s inability to sustain drives throughout the evening.

Rudock missed throws high and outside that could have helped kick-start the Wolverines’ attack, and a plethora of downfield misses intended for open receivers didn't help matters.   

The Michigan offense will try to earn Harbaugh his first win next Saturday at the Big House in Ann Arbor, but Oregon State will be looking to defer that hope until a Sept. 19 clash with UNLV. 

Utah, meanwhile, is slated for an intrastate clash with Utah State next Friday at home at Rice-Eccles Stadium. With Wilson and Booker leading the charge, the odds should tilt heavily in the Utes' favor after successfully holding serve against Michigan.