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Isaac Wilson and Money Parks end the losing streak with a 71-yard TD

Posted on by Vanessa
Isaac Wilson and Money Parks end the losing streak with a 71-yard TD

SALT LAKE CITY – After Utah Football's offense limped through the first two and a half quarters, Isaac Wilson managed to find Money Parks for a 71-yard touchdown and finally got on the field.

The Utes' first nine drives totaled 96 yards and nine punts. But it only took one play to make it a one-score game.

Although it wasn't the best defensive performance, Utah still held TCU to just one touchdown and two field goals while the offense took care of things.

When the Utes offense took the field for the tenth time about halfway through the third quarter, they desperately needed to find some momentum.

Wilson's freshman status was evident throughout the night. The Horned Frogs pulled their defense closer and closer, essentially daring Utah to take deep shots.

This strategy worked until it didn't.

The 71-yard catch-and-score was Parks' first success of the game.

So far this season, the senior wideout has 17 receptions for 209 yards and two touchdowns. The TD against TCU is by far his longest catch of the season, more than doubling his previous longest play of 35 yards.

Three thoughts on game day from Utes insider Steve Bartle

1. Rally around true freshman QB Isaac Wilson

The Cam Rising experience of 2024 was short-lived. Another devastating injury has cost him the opportunity to continue competing, an unfortunate and abrupt end to his season.

As a result, Isaac Wilson will be the starting quarterback going forward. A true freshman taking charge of the offense can be as exciting as it is challenging.

RELATED: Utah debuts new-look Ute Proud uniform for TCU game

Utah will need stronger leadership around the quarterback position. Earlier this week, senior running back Micah Bernard was named team captain. Bernard has been through many battles in Utah and these experiences will fuel his leadership approach.

Coaches must adjust their game plans to maximize their new signal-caller's strengths, but more importantly, to minimize their weaknesses. Wilson needs to adopt and adopt as much of the playbook and game plans as possible.

To truly turn things around and rally around the new quarterback will take a whole team effort. Many players in this squad have been through similar situations and have shown great resilience in recent seasons. Even though experience proves that it is possible, just because it has been done in the past doesn't mean it will happen now.

Utah really needs to step up and work to turn the season around. The new quarterback taking over requires a whole team effort.

2. Utah MUST win the turnover margin

Despite their 3-3 record, which includes some ugly losses, TCU is still a capable team. They have a strong passing attack with Josh Hoover at the helm. They have talented playmakers around them, especially Jack Beck. They still average 35.3 points per game, but only give up an average of 30.8 points.

While TCU does things well, the one thing they've done worse than anyone else in the Big 12 is protecting the football. They rank last in turnover margin at -10, while Utah is just -3.

Their ball losses are a big part of why they haven't had any success this season. Utah MUST continue this trend and win the sales margin today.

3. Expect an improved TCU Horned Frogs team

Given the bye week, the Horned Frogs had time to work on things. As the Arizona game showed a few weeks ago, teams can make big improvements. Early in this game, Arizona conceded a lot of run game production, but did a much better job of limiting Utah's success on the ground that night.

TCU hasn't been particularly good against the run either, but they have the players capable of being fairly effective against it. Utah has a week to make adjustments and must prepare for an improved TCU defense.

RELATED: Keys to victory for Utah football against TCU

Utah needs its running game to generate consistent production and explosive plays. The offensive line will be crucial to Utah's continued success.

Jaren Kump is the leader of the group and sets the tone for the four boys around him. Utah needs to improve its own performance level up front and take its physicality to new heights.

For the top Utah Football storylines, follow Utah Insider Steve Bartle or check out his coverage on KSLSports.com.

Chandler Holt is co-host of the Jazz Notes Podcasta Locals In The NFL Insider and Digital Sports Producer for KSLSports.com. Follow Chandler on X for Utah Jazz and Locals In The NFL updates.

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