For as much talk as there’s been about Utah football’s difficulties on offense so far this season, turnovers haven’t been part of the conversation.
They’ve entered the chat now.
Quarterback Bryson Barnes, the hero of last weekend’s win at USC, came back to earth on Saturday. His two interceptions weren’t the Utes’ only problems in a 35-6 defeat Saturday, but Utah’s margin for error was nonexistent against the No. 8 Oregon Ducks.
“Absolutely upset,” Barnes said. “Interceptions are never fun.”
(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes quarterback Bryson Barnes (16) is taken down as the Utah Utes host the Oregon Ducks, NCAA football in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023.
Oregon defensive end Jordan Burch (1) tackles Utah quarterback Bryson Barnes (16) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
From Utah coach Kyle Whittingham’s vantage point, almost nothing went right for the Utes against the Ducks. But he said that one of Utah’s goal’s for the game was winning the turnover battle. Oregon turned the ball over once, while the Utes did so twice.
“We’ve been doing a pretty good job of taking care of the football offensively all season long,” Whittingham said. “Two real turnovers as far as statistically. That’s not excessive, but our margin for error against a team like that — you can’t come away on the negative side of the turnover ledger. That’s what we did. We were minus-one.”
Heading into Saturday’s game, the Utes’ four turnovers were tied for third least in the country. After throwing two picks Saturday, Barnes said the problem was a combination of Utah’s offensive struggles and Oregon’s defense. The Ducks made life difficult for Barnes on Saturday, sacking him twice on the afternoon.
“At the same time, if it’s a bad play — from the quarterback perspective, if it’s a bad play, I’ve got to protect the ball, protect the team,” Barnes said. “Can’t be giving the ball away.”
Oregon isn’t necessarily known as a turnover-forcing team. It had gained just seven heading into Saturday, which is tied for 104th in the country.
Whittingham did not seem concerned about how Barnes will handle a below-average performance. He added that one of the interceptions wasn’t his fault because the receiver stopped when he shouldn’t have.
“Bryson Barnes is a competitor,” Whittingham said. “He’s our guy. We believe in him. He’ll bounce back.”
