It would have been a lot easier to write this column if Oregon hadn't rolled up more than 200 rushing yards and 31 points on the Ute defense Saturday.

As I looked down from the press box on the gloomy field at Autzen Stadium on Saturday afternoon, I wondered aloud, "Have the Utah coaches lost all faith in their kickers?"

Although the Utes couldn't escape Autzen Stadium with a win Saturday, they did escape relatively healthy. Both Caleb Schlauderaff and Matt Asiata went into Saturday's game listed as questionable and as game-time decisions. Both Schlauderaff and Asiata played Saturday, but Asiata struggled to find his rhythm, getting only 15 touches for 54 yards. Whether his shoulder affected his performance or not, Asiata8212;even less than 100 percent8212;will be ready to go this weekend.

After averaging more than 500 yards of offense through the first two games of the season, the Utes were held to 297 yards on Saturday and 24 points for the second straight week.

The Utes' 16-game win streak was snapped Saturday afternoon in Autzen Stadium as Utah went down 31-24 to the Oregon Ducks.

Utah's first loss in 16 games was highlighted by mistakes on both offense and defense, but the area the Utes seemed to struggle in the most was containing Oregon on rushing yards. Utah held the Ducks to just 95 passing yards at Autzen Stadium but could not do the same on the ground.

The Utes' 16-game win streak was snapped Saturday afternoon in Autzen stadium as Utah went down 31-24 to the Oregon Ducks.

"Our defense hasn't shown a lot these first two games," said Utah linebacker Stevenson Sylvester. "We know what we're capable of, we've just got to go out there and do more each and every week."

Although weeks one and two for the Utes have been more challenging offensively than fans thought they'd be, the defensive side of the team has been showing its ability to iron out some wrinkles.

The Utes have the chance to come within one game of matching the school's longest winning streak (18) this weekend when they travel to the great Northwest to take on Oregon.