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2007-2008
College Football Season
Poinsettia Bowl
Post-Game
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Utah (9-4) |
35 |
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Navy (8-5) |
32 |
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Utah Gets 7th Straight Bowl Win
By Mike Mitchell
December 21, 2007
Utah won its seventh consecutive bowl game by holding off Navy 35-32 in the Poinsettia Bowl.
The Utes opened a 10-point lead with 1:27 remaining, but Navy played all night with a never-say-die attitude. It only took the Midshipmen 30 seconds to climb back to within a field goal. With 57 ticks still left on the clock, Navy successfully converted an onside kick and had a crack at the miracle comeback. This time, however, an interception halted the threat on the second play of the drive.
Utah ripped off eight wins in its final nine games to end the season at 9-4.
Navy was playing its first game under new head coach Ken Niumatalolo, who was promoted from assistant head coach when Paul Johnson filled the job opening at Georgia Tech. The loss dropped the Midshipmen to 8-5.
Utah QB Brian Johnson completed 80% of his passes for 226 yards and a TD. He also ran for 69 yards and a TD . RB Darrell Mack added two rushing TD's.
Eric Kettani had 125 yards and a TD on just 12 carries for Navy. QB Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada threw for 122 yards, but was held to just 52 yards rushing. Even with such low numbers, he still managed to throw 2 TD passes, run for a touchdown, and scamper for a 2-point conversion.
Navy led 10-7 at halftime and opened a 17-7 lead in the 3rd quarter before Utah reeled off the next 21 points for a 28-17 lead.
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