PASADENA, Calif. (AP) – Five years after Utah running back Joe Williams and UCLA quarterback Mike Fafaul left Fork Union Military Academy together, they both posted record-breaking performances on the same wild afternoon.
Only Williams left the Rose Bowl happy with his effort – and his decision to get back in the game with the Utes.
Williams rushed for a school-record 332 yards and four touchdowns in his second game back from retirement, and No. 19 Utah held off pass-happy UCLA 52-45 Saturday.
Williams broke off TD runs of 3, 43, 64 and 55 yards during the greatest rushing day in Utah (7-1, 4-1 Pac-12) history, surpassing Mike Anderson’s 1999 record, and the most prolific rushing performance ever by a UCLA opponent.
“I’m pretty sure (the Bruins) are tired of seeing the back of my jersey running down the field,” Williams said, giving the credit to his offensive line. “We’ve got five grown men out there that could be in the NFL tomorrow. I’m just glad to be running behind them.”