Deseret Morning News A year ago, Utah managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory at Colora... Utes thinking of payback..

The Utes left Fort Collins on the short end of 21-17 decision after failing to reach the end zone on first-and-goal from the Rams' 4-yard line with less than two minutes remaining.

The goal-line stand capped an otherwise solid outing by the Utes, who racked up 425 yards of total offense and held a 14-3 lead after three quarters.

"Every loss is tough but some are tougher than others," Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said. "The way that came down to the wire and to come up 1-inch short, that's tough to handle."

"We just didn't get the ball across the line and a lot has to do with us up front. But, it's behind us and we just can't wait to get back at it again on Saturday," offensive lineman Tavo Tupola said. "It's been on our mind. It's been part of our work ethic over the summer - a great motivation for us to get better and better ourselves."

"I don't want to say it's a willpower issue but it starts way back in January from the weight room," Whittingham said. "Everything you do all year long could have a part in that."

"They beat us to the punch on the goal line. We couldn't get any knock off the line of scrimmage," Whittingham explained. "They did a great job holding the line of scrimmage. They made the plays and we did not."

"I thought it was unbelievable initially. It's never happened before in my life - to get stopped on the 1-yard line," Tupola said. "But, you know, it's a learning experience. It's something we can learn from and something we can fix. Hopefully, it won't happen again on Saturday."

Torn knee ligaments will keep Utah tailback and snapper out for the remainder of the season ... Freshman running back has been moved to cornerback and could see action there Saturday ... CSU will be without third-leading tackler. The starting linebacker is sidelined with a knee injury.

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