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No. 18 Utah falls short in 28-23 loss to Cal

Posted at 7:32 PM, Oct 01, 2016
and last updated 2016-10-03 00:38:10-04

BERKELEY, Calif. -- California quarterback Davis Webb threw four touchdown passes, and the Bears defense stopped the Utes on the one-yard line on the final play of the game to pull out a 28-23 win over 18th ranked Utah

The Bears jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter, before the Utes rallied to take the lead after a field goal from Andy Phillips and two touchdown runs from Armand Shyne.

But Cal went back on top with the final two touchdown passes from Webb, giving the Bears a 28-17 lead late in the game. Utah cut that lead to 28-23 after a touchdown run from Zack Moss midway through the fourth quarter.

The Utes got the ball back and drove it inside Cal's five yard line, but the Bears' defense made a stand on the final three plays of the game, keeping the Utes out of the end zone.

"Just a little short at the end," said Utah Head Coach Kyle Whittingham. "I love our guys. Our guys have fight. They're warriors, and I love coaching them."

There was some controversy on the Utah's final drive. Whittingham said he was charged with a timeout he didn't take, which limited the Utah's play calling in the final seconds.

"I didn't call a timeout," Whittingham said. "I tried to get the ref's attention as he ran down, and I said if the ball is in play and the clock is running, look to me for a timeout. He didn't look at me, so I went down screaming and said, look to me for a timeout if we run a play and the clock is running, running. The ref asked if I wanted a timeout and I said no I don't want a timeout. I want to call one after this play. The ref calls timeout. Go figure."

Utah quarterback Troy Williams threw for 266 yards, and Shyne led the rushing attack with 104 yards and two touchdowns. Moss added 72 rushing yards and one touchdown.

The Utes fall to 4-1 and 1-1 in Pac-12 play.