Hope and expectations were high with the Aztecs taking on Pac-12 power Utah. Consensus was that the Aztec defense would keep them in the game while the offense methodically chewed clock and burned yards. The defense came out strong and inspired, holding Utah scoreless until the second quarter. An aggressive defensive scheme that integrated blitzes, stunts and pressure forced Utah into a series of punts. The same would hold true for the Utes as they would clamp down on the Aztec offense. Jay Armstead would provide some breathing room with several carry’s but the rest of the offense failed to show up.