The Michigan Wolverines (2-1) came into Saturday's pivotal home contest with the Utah Utes (2-0) looking to build positive momentum going into the heart of their 2014 campaign.
The Utes, on the other hand, were looking for a signature road victory to hang their hats on while keeping their dreams of an undefeated season alive.
An Early Stalemate: The first quarter of Saturday's contest basically consisted of four drives, with both Michigan and Utah trading field goals to end the frame tied at 3. Michigan's offense clicked early on their opening 12-play, 50- yard drive, as returning WR Devin Funchess picked up a 13-yard reception on the game's opening play to set the tempo.
Utah would hold pat, however, limiting Michigan's attack while picking up a 35-yard field goal of their own after a nine-play, 79-yard drive.
Kaelin Clay Takes Center Stage: With both teams still seemingly in a feeling-out process in the early second quarter, Utah punt returner Kaelin Clay provided the game's first statement with a tightrope-walking 66-yard return down the far sideline for a touchdown.
The explosive score marks just another day in the life of Clay, as it gave him his third return for a TD (2 punt, 1 kick) in two-and-a-half games this season. It also helped a Utah team in need of alternate methods of scoring after QB Travis Wilson was upended and taken out of the game with a bloody nose and a possible head injury.
Michigan's Defense Strikes Back: Things looked bleak for the Wolverines after a promising drive in Utes territory ended in a deflating Brian Blechen interception. However, just three plays later, new Utes QB Kendal Thompson would return the favor - throwing one right at Michigan DT Willie Henry who took it 13 yards to the house for a game-tying (and stadium-shaking) score.
A Late Response: Despite an ineffective performance on offense for the majority of the first half, the Utah Utes put together a clock-killing 16-play drive deep into Michigan territory. QB Kendal Thompson would eat a 13-yard sack to close out the push, but K Andy Phillips would nail a 37-yard field goal to give Utah a 13-10 lead at the half.
Quick note: Neither team scored an offensive touchdown in the first 30 minutes.
Michigan MVP of the Half: DT Willie Henry (1 interception, 1 return for TD)
Utah MVP of the Half: WR Kaelin Clay (1 catch, 13 yards, 1 punt return for TD)
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