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Show dogged by defeats and plagued by coaching problems The University of Utah football team finished the 1967 season on the losing end of a four and seven won-lost record in a formidable schedule that saw Utah meeting its toughest opponents in several years. Utah started the season by breaking into Big-Ten competition with Minnesota. The Ute underdogs threw a scare into the larger school only to have the game decided by a single point. Encouraged by their high-caliber showing against Minnesota, Utah steamrolled Oregon 21-0 and continued their momentum by burying New Mexico 42 to 27. The Redskins' high hopes were dashed by nationally ranked Wyoming with the only offensive surge Utah could muster coming from an objectionable, student-written sign. Utah gridders bounced back to contain Arizona with a great passing attack followed by a muddy loss to Brigham Young where Gray Baker ran back an end zone interception for a 99-yard Western Athletic Conference record touchdown and Bill Fowler brought wet fans to their feet as his white jersey skirted across the field for a 90-yard touchdown with Utah's hopes only to be stopped short by the clock. Homecoming spoiler Arizona State brought high scoring thrills to Ute stadium as fans saw the lead change hands eight times with Arizona State earning a two-touchdown margin for a 49-32 win. Utah then carried a three and four record to West Point for their third meeting with Army. The Cadets, keeping Utah in their foxholes the entire game, marched to a 22-0 shutout. Back in the safety of home, Utah stopped Utah State again and again in three goalline stands only to lose by one point via field. The University of Texas at El Paso gave Utah its seventh loss while Utah's fourth and final victory came while vacationing in Hawaii. Ex-marine coach Mike Giddings demanded military discipline with complete team effort in every contest. After resignation of his assistant coaches, Giddings explained, "We were too eager ... We wanted to win too badly." 75 |