Turning point of the season (hypothetical exercise)?

[SalUteopia]

If you had to pick one play which you think was the turning point of the season so far, which one would you pick? Moss’ unsuccessful run attempt on the final play against Cal and UW’s punt return for a TD are probably popular contenders, but would you nominate a different one instead? 

To me, it was the dropped catch by Simpkins on 3rd and 8 against UW with 3:45 left in the 4th quarter (the punt after that would be returned for a TD). It wasn’t a terrible pass and should have been completed. It would have extended the drive, and who knows, may have resulted in a score and thereby a win. 

All ifs and buts, I know, I know… But still a fun hypothetical exercise.

 

[KiYi-Ute]

I’m gonna say Joe Williams’ first TD run against Oregon State. That game was ugly to say the least, but it sparked Joe’s electrifying return to College Football. Without him, our season would have probably been lost.

[Anonymous]

I really like Shyne he is a good back but all of these injuries forced Whitt to call Joe Williams. I think Utah loses a few more games without him.
Edit Not really a specific play but Joe Williams most likely is giving Utah a shot at the Rose Bowl.

[noneyadb]

Turning point is usually when a season changes for the better or worse. Not sure I agree with those specific plays being turning points. Those are definitely plays that are going to be looked back on as what if, but they didn’t change the season for better or worse. If there was a turning point it was last year, Booker going down and seeing how good Joe Williams was, and how they didn’t use him properly. UCLA game and unable to score touchdowns was the other. Utes went out and signed Troy Williams and Garrett Bolles. Passing game and the running game have both improved this year. 

Undecided if I would rather have Paul and Norris on this year’s team, or Troy and Bolles on last year’s team. 

[ironman1315]

Def Paul and Norris on this year’s team.

[autahfan]

Hiked ball hitting TW in the facemask.

[UteDuke]

I agree with noneyadb in that a turning point has to have significant influence on what happens after. So I feel like both the above mentioned mistakes were more like anomalies than turning points.

If I were to pick a turning point it would be the final drive against USC, especially the decision to go for it on 4th down instead of kicking the field goal. That decision has defined our entire season in my opinion. At that moment Kyle showed that he was willing to trust his offense to make plays. He also demonstrated that it was win or bust, no more playing it safe. If we didn’t convert that, or had we kicked a field goal and gone to overtime, I am almost certain we lose that game. Instead, we gained a signature win that may turn out to be the crucial tiebreaker in the South race. Also, that was the coming out party for the offense, when Utah proved that they could win when the defense struggled.

Other big turning points include the safety against Arizona and Shyne and Howard going down in the fourth quarter, prompting the coaches to reach out to Joe.

[SalUteopia]

Noney and Duke, fair point. The plays I mentioned were probably more game changers than season turning points, although who knows what ripple effects they might have created. Still, it’s interesting to read the different perspectives.

I also dread thinking about how our season would’ve shaped up had BYU made that 2 point conversion. Bounce back from it or not, an early loss to a hated dipshiitake rival would’ve surely succotash balzac.

[noneyadb]

Agreed UteDuke

That safety vs Arizona was Huge!! Couldn’t talk for a week after that game.

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