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Show To the surprise of no one, the race for the skyline chown developed quickly as a struggle between Wyoming and U.S.U., with Utah being given a good outside chance. An early tie between Wyoming and the Aggies forced a premature turning point in the skyline struggle, and when Wyoming coach Bob Devany turned his bruising bickfield loose on Nagel's mud-clogged machine at snowy Ute Stadium, Utah's hopes for a skyline crown were rudely dashed - four yards at a time - by the Cowboys' rugged ground game.But the Redskins did have their moments. The night of October 16 saw an eager band of Utes overwhelm Colorado State University by a whopping 40-0 count. This successful inauguration of the 1961 football season featured sparkling play by veterans Ed Pine, Dennis Zito, Jerry Overton, and Bill Cravens. Soph quarterback Gary Hertzfelt connected for a touchdown on his first collegiate passing effort as the Utes could do no wrong. But the Redskins found rougher going at Madison, Wisconsin on the following weekend. Here the Utes received a rude introduction to Big Ten football as theBadgers rode a crunching defense to a 7-0 victory. Again the Redskin defense sparkled, but a lack of offensive power cost Utah the victory.Next to invade Salt Lake City was a powerful squad from the University of Oregon. The speedy Ducks had romped to two easy wins and were heavily favored to make Utah their third victim of the young season. Boasting of the "fastest backfield in the country," the nationally-ranked Ducks threatened early to run the Redskins out of Ute Stadium. A Utah fumble gave Oregon an early score, and another bobble gave the Ducks the ball on the home 6-yardline. But the Ute line rose to the occasion and held the Ducks with a determined goal line stand - a standout defensive maneuver that undoubtedly cost Oregon the ball game. The Ducks didn't see the Redskins goal again all night as the Utes wrapped up a well-earned 14-6 victory, and in the process stamped them-"•• €¦ selves as definite contenders for skyline honors.Arizona State's Sun Devils were next on theUte schedule, and on the night of Oct. 7 the football fans of Tempe, Arizona were treated to a real scoring spree as Utah outlasted the tough 'Devils in a 28-26 thriller. Pin-point passes by |