Utah coach Kyle Whittingham credited Northern Illinois' defensive scheme and blamed his offensive linemen for the Utes' struggles in short-yardage situations Saturday.
Ten times, the Utes had 1 or 2 yards to go for a first down. They converted only two, although Zack Moss ran 16 yards for a touchdown on a third-and-1 play in Utah’s 35-17 victory at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
The No. 11 Utes were playing with a makeshift offensive line, amid injuries to starting center Orlando Umana and guard Johnny Maea, who’s listed as a co-starter. Paul Toala went from co-starting guard to center and Nick Ford moved from tackle to guard in the alignment, with Simi Moala starting at tackle.