Simply put, this was the biggest game in the history of the WAC (IMHO). Never before had two undefeated WAC teams (Utah 5-0, CSU 6-0) met so late in the season. And they had some good victories: Utah with a victory in Eugene and the Rams with victories over BYU and Arizona.
[the following is taken from my post-game report to rsfc]
Well, I finally got to see my beloved Utes in action this Sat. against the Rams. (I went to a sports bar here in Chapel Hill and I was the only Utah fan amongst about 10 CSU fans. A great time and, even though the bar served no food, my 16 month old son was able to attend [I needed all of the Utes supporters I could get]).
Quite a game although not the game I (or probably anyone else) was expecting. Throughout most of the first quarter, it looked as if the Utes were going to dominate the game. The offense was moving the ball, just not past midfield. The defense looked solid. Ute scores came on the safety (not caused by the defense) and a interception return for a TD).
The second quarter was just the opposite. Utah could not move the ball at all and the defense allowed the Rams a sustained drive for a score. 9-7. As the 1st half was winding down CSU was on the move again but a relatively short field goal was blocked by Utah and returned out to the 25. Anthony Hill threw a meaningless interception on a "Hail Mary" as time expired. 9-7 Utah.
The Utes scored first in the second half but CSU marched down and scored a TD and a field goal (one of which was set up by a blocked punt) to go up by one.
Utah scored on a three play drive capped by Charlie Brown's 44 yard TD run. Utah set up somewhat of a trick play on the extra point and got the easy two point conversion. Utes up by seven.
Utah blocked a CSU punt on the next drive to set up first an goal from the five. The Ram's defense held tough and set up third and goal from the five. The Utes showed the same trick formation as on the previous extra point. This time CSU covered the open running back but put only one man on the outside receiver who had two linemen in front of him. Relatively easy touchdown pass.
CSU fought back with two drives (one of which was set up by a blocked punt) for scores to tie the score early in the fourth.
Utah responded with their only long, sustained offensive drive of the game, taking nearly seven minutes off the clock. Utah 38-CSU 31.
Once more Colorado State mounted a good drive and with about a minute left in the game had a first and ten on the Utah 12 yard line. Coach Lubick had already made the decision to go for the win but CSU needed to score first. A first down run netted about four yards, then two incomplete passes forced a forth down from the 8 yard line. Hill rolled left and saw an open receiver, but saw him too late. Harold Lusk saw it coming, got a good break on the ball and ran 100 yards for a TD. Utah 45-CSU 31.
A lone Utah fan, his wife and child go crazy in a sports bar in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. CSU fans march out, disgusted.