‘Learning to Be A Leader’: Utah Coach Kyle Whittingham Praises Nate Johnson
Saturday’s ranked matchup against UCLA was anything but pretty for the Utah Utes.
In a game that began with a pick-six and a one-score lead for coach Kyle Whittingham’s squad, winning by that same amount — after only adding one more touchdown — certainly wasn’t the victory they had in mind.
But it was a victory, nonetheless. And while some Utah fans weren’t happy with Nate Johnson, who once again filled in for the injured Cameron Rising, Whittingham made sure to give his quarterback his flowers.
Utah Utes quarterback Nate Johnson stiff arms a UCLA defender during the Utes’ Week 4 home matchup on Saturday, Sept. 23.
Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
“Johnson is learning to be a leader,” Whittingham said. “It’s a positive that he’d go and take blame [for Saturday]. He didn’t need to, but it’s good to see leadership there.”
Johnson’s social media post in question?
“I apologize for the way the game was played out,” the quarterback wrote on social media. “Credit to our defense for an amazing performance. We will be better next week. Our offense is still awesome, just things will get cleaned up.”
Saturday certainly wasn’t the finest offensive showing for Johnson, who finished the game with just 117 yards passing for a Utes offense that didn’t find the end zone at all in the second half. But despite the struggles, Utah found a way to emerge victorious and remain perfect on the season.
Between the initial defensive score and Johnson’s find in the second quarter, the Utes did what they needed to do, which considering the injuries they’ve faced to this point — is all Whittingham could ask for.
Perhaps that’s why he cleared the air on Johnson’s post-game social media dump. Or maybe it was simply an act of support for his player. Either way, the 10th-ranked Utes will continue to roll with whoever can play quarterback.
And they’ll also be looking to keep winning.
