Utah Football: Utes Lose More Than Just Game vs. Washington Huskies

The Washtington Huskies got out to an early lead on an 18-yard fumble return Saturday, and Washington never looked back as they cruised to an easy 31-14 victory over the Utah Utes in Pac-12 play. The Utes entered the game as 10-point favorites, but it became clear that the Huskies were not going to be intimidated on the road.

Utes fans can try to make sense of how defensive line allowed Washington running back Chris Polk to rush for 185 yards, or how Utah only gained 17 yards on the ground themselves. What’s most important right now is the health of starting quarterback Jordan Wynn.

There were questions and concerns before the game on the status of Wynn’s shoulder, and those concerns certainly appear to have been justified. Wynn appeared to have injured his shoulder in the second quarter, and backup quarterback Jon Hays, a transfer from Butte Junior College, played the remainder of the game for the Utes. The good news, if you can call it that, is the injury is to Wynn's left (non-throwing) shoulder.

While Wynn was in the game, the junior leader completed 12-of-17 passes for 149 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Wynn’s replacement, Hays, had similar numbers completing 10-of-16 passes for 156 yards with a touchdown and interception as well.

A lot of Hays’ success (namely the interception) came on the final drive when the Huskies defense took the foot of the gas. If Wynn’s injury is in any way long term, the Utes could be in a very bad situation.

Utah miss out on the Stanford Cardinal, but they still have a long Pac-12 schedule ahead. Next week is a home game against the Arizona State Sun Devils, followed by back-to-back road tests against the Big East Pitt Panthers and Cal Golden Bears.

With two conference losses thus far, the Utes will have a tough road ahead in their hopes of representing the conference in its inaugural conference championship game. Utes fans better hope Wynn is back sooner rather than later.