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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Dunn’s big returns spark Utes’ victory

Lynn Debrun Associated Press

SALT LAKE CITY – Reggie Dunn set a school record with two 100-yard kickoff returns, and Utah’s defense forced three turnovers in a 49-27 victory over California on Saturday night.

The win snapped a four-game losing streak for Utah (3-5, 1-4 Pac-12) and kept alive hopes of being bowl-eligible for the 10th straight year.

Reggie Topps’ 17-yard fumble return for a TD gave Utah a 14-3 lead with 2:13 left in the first quarter. The Utes led 28-6 at halftime after a 5-yard TD run by freshman quarterback Travis Wilson.

In his third start, Wilson completed 16 of 24 passes for 156 yards.

Utah intercepted Zach Maynard once and sacked him four times.

Standout receiver Keenan Allen became Cal’s all-time receptions leader with 205 catches but didn’t get on track until the game was well in hand.

It was the worst loss of the year for the Golden Bears (3-6, 2-4).

Dunn’s second career 100-yard kickoff return came after a first-quarter Cal field goal and ignited a “blackout” crowd of 45,017. He brought the kick out of the end zone, cut left, then took a step back to the middle before waiting for his blockers, who escorted him unscathed into the other end zone.

His second 100-yard return of the game came on the opening play of the fourth quarter. He took the kickoff up the middle, cut sharply left, then right, evaded a tackle by Steve Williams at the Cal 12-yard line and cut back left again for the score that put Utah up 49-13.

Cal outgained Utah 441-344, but turnovers and penalties hurt the Bears, who scored a pair of late touchdowns.