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But for two plays, Gionni Paul would be getting a pat on the back.
Even as Kyle Whittingham talked about his senior linebacker's gravest error Thursday night, he used words that seemed to compliment him. Tough. Aggressive.
Just too aggressive at exactly the wrong time.
"He's got to make better decisions," Whittingham said. "It's exactly things like that which get you beat."
The play — a late hit on Michigan quarterback Jake Rudock on a third down run well short of the marker — cost Utah a chance to coast to the finish in the final quarter of their 24-17 win. Rudock made the most of his second chance, hitting tight end Jake Butt for a touchdown in triple coverage.
With a two-score lead cut to seven points, Utah ended up having to sweat out a closer finish because Paul didn't pull up on the sideline.
So when a reporter asked him how he was able to lead the team with a career-high 14 tackles, he brushed it aside for what was really on his mind.
"You wouldn't think a guy such as me in his fifth year would need a learning experience," Paul said. "But I still do."
He should've learned on the first drive of the game: He tackled Ty Isaac near the sideline on a run, and shoved the running back after the play. That also cost Utah 15 yards.
The second penalty just ended up costing Utah more.
A transfer from Miami, Paul is one of Utah's most dynamic defenders when healthy. He showed that talent on Thursday by getting five more tackles than any other Ute. But he also showed the downside of the aggression he plays with.
"I let him know about that," Whittingham said. "He was disappointed about that."
And eager to make it up next game, as well.
Sackless City • After leading the nation with 55 last season and talk of an even deeper front seven in 2015, the Utes finished sackless Thursday.
Whittingham said he was "disappointed" — he'd also have liked to bat some passes down — but it's Michigan, after all. They're known for their offensive line.
Rudock "was getting rid of the ball fairly quickly," he said. "… It's not like he was standing back there all day."
And the Utes were generally rushing four.
But it's the first time since Nov. 23, at Washington State, that the Utes finished sackless.
On the bright side, the Utes held Michigan to 78 yards rushing on 29 carries, and Whittingham was pleased that they were able to do so with two-high safety looks, "which is hard to do," he said.
Covey comfortable • Asked about all the people who have doubted 5-foot-9 true freshman Britain Covey, Utah's starting punt returner and leading receiver Thursday night with five catches for 58 yards, Whittingham said he wasn't one of them.
"He's so quick and athletic and tough and smart," he said of the former Timpview quarterback sensation. "The one thing he is not is real big."
Covey, tackled out of bounds at the 1 before Devontae Booker dove over the pile for Utah's first touchdown, showed maturity is another of his qualities when he was asked if he was angry about the ref's interpretation.
"I'm glad Book got it because I want a Heisman for this guy," he said.
Moeai's status unknown • Senior tight end Evan Moeai was helped off the field after an early catch and never returned, careful to put no weight on his left leg as he was helped to the locker room
Whittingham told media in the press conference afterward that he was unsure about Moeai's status, but later said on ESPN 700 that his return this season is doubtful.
Moeai redshirted at Snow College, and it's not immediately known if he's eligible to apply for a medical redshirt.
Siale Fakailoatonga and Harrison Handley will share snaps in his stead.
Cramps were an issue, particularly in the secondary, where Tevin Carter, Reginald Porter, Marcus Williams and Justin Thomas were all in agony in the second half, forcing the Utes to rotate liberally in the secondary.
That's just a matter of being properly hydrated, Whittingham said, and "we've got to get that fixed."
Whittingham said that overall, Utah emerged from the opener relatively unscathed otherwise — or seemed to, at least, before the adrenaline died down and they could properly assess injuries.
"At first blush, it seems OK, but we'll have to see what the evaluations are tomorrow," he said.
"And then we won't tell you for sure."
— Kyle Goon and Matthew Piper
Twitter: @kylegoon and @matthew_piper