But for two plays, Gionni Paul would be getting a pat on the back.
Even as Kyle Whittingham talked about his senior linebacker's gravest error Thursday night, he used words that seemed to compliment him. Tough. Aggressive.
Just too aggressive at exactly the wrong time.
"He's got to make better decisions," Whittingham said. "It's exactly things like that which get you beat."
The play — a late hit on Michigan quarterback Jake Rudock on a third down run well short of the marker — cost Utah a chance to coast to the finish in the final quarter of their 24-17 win.