SALT LAKE CITY – The loudest cheer of the first half came when Isaac Wilson connected with Dorian Singer on an 11-yard pass down the sideline with just over a minute left in the first half.

It was one of those nights for Utah’s offense.

The Utes were held scoreless in the first half and had just 86 total yards of offense as the team struggled to get the ball moving in any way. It was so bad that the fans in attendance at Rice-Eccles Stadium booed Utah as the team headed to the locker room at halftime.

There was little to cheer about on Saturday evening.

Even with all the problems on offense – of which there were many – Utah’s defense kept it to a two-score game before Isaac Wilson found a streaking Money Parks on the field for a 71-yard touchdown pass to change the attitude of the game .

But TCU never wavered and kept the pressure on Utah, forcing the Utes offense into stalled drives. Utah’s defense also did its part and kept the Horned Frogs out of the end zone. As such, TCU held serve and ended the night with a 13-7 victory over Utah on their home turf.

Utah (4-3, 1-3 Big 12) had its chances late but couldn’t convert, with Wilson throwing an interception on fourth down midway through the fourth quarter and then an incomplete pass on an ensuing fourth down with 2 to go: 30 left. in the game.

Wilson finished his fourth career start throwing for 199 yards, one touchdown and one interception on 17 of 33 passing.

TCU (4-3, 2-2 Big 12) quarterback Josh Hoover finished the night throwing for 263 yards on 22-of-41 passing, but had no passing touchdowns in his trip to Salt Lake City.

Savion Williams, who replaced Hoover under center at times, finished with a team-high 72 rushing yards on seven carries, which proved to be the most effective strategy to beat the Utes in the second half. TCU racked up 394 yards of total offense on the night, compared to Utah’s 267 yards.

TCU started the night by converting a first down on three straight plays, and easily got into the red zone as the Horned Frogs threatened to score. But Hoover lost the ball and Van Fillinger jumped on it and forced the stop.

Utah went three-and-out on their opening series, and their punt attempt was blocked, creating the Horned Frogs deep in Utah territory. But just like on the opening drive, Utah’s defense held firm and forced a field goal attempt that was ultimately blocked by safety Tao Johnson.

TCU eventually got a field goal and Hoover scored on a 1-yard rushing touchdown, giving the Horned Frogs a 10-0 lead that continued until halftime.

This story will be updated.