Nate Johnson Ignites Late Surge, Helps Utah Avoid Upset Against Baylor

Utah almost fell victim to Baylor in a gritty game in Waco

If you look up the definition of a rock fight, you will find a picture of Utah's Week 2 matchup against Baylor.

It was a defensive showcase in the first quarter, with both teams holding one another scoreless. However, coming off a loss to Texas State and without starting quarterback Blake Shapen it was Baylor that got the party started. The Bears were able to build a 10-point lead, while backup quarterback Bryson Barnes who was the hero of the Week 1 game against Florida was struggling mightily to get things going.

Barnes finished the game just 6-of-19 for 71 yards with a costly interception. It wasn't until they made a change at quarterback inserting Nate Johnson full-time that the Utes got things going. 

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Despite trailing 13-6, Johnson came in and drove the offense down the field picking apart the Baylor defense. He concluded the drive with a rushing touchdown to tie it up at 13, which gave the team all the momentum they needed. 

Nate Johnson is CLUTCH https://t.co/P2PCj3eibv

— AllUtes (@FN_AllUtes) September 9, 2023

Shortly after Johnson's touchdown, the defense got a huge play out of Cole Bishop who picked off Sawyer Robertson to give Utah the ball back. The Utes again drove down the field, which ended with a rushing touchdown by Jaylon Glover that ended up being the game-winner.

Baylor had a chance to win the game, but a crucial non-call in the end zone ended the game as Utah escaped yet another week without their star quarterback and tight end. 

Johnson finished the game 6-of-7 for 82 yards while adding 32 yards rushing and a score. The Utes also got a good performance out of Texas native Ja'Quinden Jackson who rushed for 129 yards, and on defense, Bishop was all over the place making four tackles, two for a loss, and the clutch pick. 

It wasn't pretty by any means, but Utah escaped their tough two non-conference wins unscathed and will welcome in-state foe Weber State next week.