Michigan falls to Utah, 24-17, in first game under Jim Harbaugh

Iowa transfer Jake Rudock throws 3 interceptions

The Jim Harbaugh era opened with a loss for Michigan on Thursday, as Utah outlasted the Wolverines, 24-17. Transfer quarterback Jake Rudock struggled in his Michigan debut, throwing three costly interceptions and overthrowing at least four open receivers downfield.

Utah got on the board early as quarterback Travis Wilson ran twice for 17 yards and found Devontae Booker for a 20-yard screen pass to get deep into Michigan territory. But the defense held its ground in the red zone, forcing a 30-yard field goal by Andy Phillips.

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After moving the ball into Utah territory, Rudock threw an opening-drive interception inside the 20-yard line. He connected twice with tight end Jake Butt for 28 yards during the 44-yard drive before turning it over.

Michigan settled down defensively after the pick, forcing two straight three and outs deep in Utah territory. The Wolverines outgained the Utes 83-68 in the 1st quarter despite trailing 3-0.

Kenny Allen took advantage of the field position on the second play of the 2nd quarter, converting his first career field goal attempt, a 30-yarder, to tie the game.

But Utah came right back with an 11-play, 75-yard drive that ended with a Devontae Booker 1-yard touchdown run. Michigan forced just one 3rd down during the drive.

The 10-3 lead lasted through the end of the 1st half. Rudock threw two interceptions and missed three wide open receivers downfield in his first six drives for Michigan.

Toledo native Chris Wormley led the charge for Michigan on defense, picking up three tackles for loss in the first half. 

Michigan opened the second half with another costly mistake - a missed 44-yard field goal. Utah turned around and marched 74 yards for a touchdown, capped by a 14-yard Wilson run up the gut.

The 17-3 lead looked like more than enough for the Utah defense.

But Michigan got a big break on its next drive when Utah's Gionni Paul picked up his second personal foul of the game by leveling Rudock out of bounds. On the ensuing play, Rudock found Butt over the middle for a 19-yard touchdown.

Butt went up between two Utah defenders and brought down the jump ball, his sixth grab of the game.

Wilson continued to make plays at the start of the 4th quarter. He converted a 2nd and 6 by avoiding a sack, escaping the pocket and finding Britain Covey for an 18-yard gain that sparked a 12-play, 47-yard drive.

It stalled when Michigan's defense made two tackles behind the line of scrimmage to set up a 3rd and 17, before Andy Phillips missed his second field goal of the game.

Any hope for the Wolverines was erased when Rudock threw another interception that was returned for a touchdown, giving Utah a 24-10 lead. Rudock stared down freshman Grant Perry on the left sideline, setting up an easy pick for Justin Thomas.

Michigan pulled to within a score on its final drive, as Rudock found Amara Darboh over the middle for a 10-yard touchdown. But Allen's onside kick attempt flew out of bounds, ending the late comeback bid.

Rudock completed 27 of 43 passes for 279 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions. Darboh led all Michigan receivers with 101 yards on eight catches. Butt added 93 yards on eight catches.

Michigan's running game was unproductive, as five ball carriers combined to average just 2.6 yards per carry. De'Veon Smith led the attack with 47 yards on 17 carries.

Michigan will return to the Big House next weekend for its home opener against Oregon State.