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The weather for Utah's only home game in October was cold and sloppy, which was a good description for the Utes' play in the opening minutes of Saturday's game against Colorado State.

Luckily for Utah, it delivered the thunder and lightning in the end, as it stormed past the Rams 59-6 Saturday in front of 45,029 fans at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

The No. 9 Utes (7-0, 4-0) gave up a rare sack in the first half, fumbled on a punt return and had a hard time getting the running game going against the struggling Rams (2-6, 1-3).

But just when the Utes looked like they might be in for a slugfest similar to last year's 24-17 victory against the Rams, quarterback Jordan Wynn warmed up and struck quickly with several big plays.

Wynn, who threw three interceptions in last week's 30-6 win at Wyoming, bounced back with a huge game Saturday.

The sophomore was 23-of-29 for 321 yards and three touchdowns in leading the Utes to their biggest win against CSU since a 55-0 rout in 1957.

He threw touchdown passes of 30 and 71 yards to Eddie Wide and DeVonte Christopher, respectively, in the first half to give the Utes a 24-6 halftime lead, leaving little doubt they were going to extend their home winning streak to 21 games.

While the outcome wasn't unexpected given CSU's struggles this season, the Utes might want to savor it. Saturday's victory could be the last blowout they enjoy, as the remainder of the season offers a marked step up in challenges.

The Utes travel to Air Force next week, host TCU on Nov. 6 and take to the road for games at Notre Dame and San Diego State before finishing the regular season at home against BYU.

That stretch of games was pegged as being difficult for the Utes before the season — and little has changed in that assessment, outside BYU's struggles.

At least they enter the run playing their best ball, said Utah coach Kyle Whittingham.

"We had a few too many penalties, but we are playing good football and there are always things to work on," Whittingham said. "We have some tough challenges ahead of us, starting with the Air Force Academy."

While the Utes insist they focus only on the next opponent, defensive end Christian Cox said they are aware they might not be taken seriously given the low caliber of teams they have beaten thus far.

To Cox, Saturday's game at Air Force is an opportunity to show that the Utes deserve their ranking.

"We respect them a lot, but we are ready to go make a statement," Cox said. "Historically, we've played them close, and we don't want that to happen this year."

At least the Utes will be fresh for the stretch run. For the sixth straight game, Utah's starters had a short day, thanks to the decisive win.

Once again, the Utes did most of their damage in the second quarter, outscoring the Rams 17-6 in the period to take control of the game.

Utah outgained the Rams 648-213, with the Colorado State managing just 28 yards on the ground, compared with 221 for the Utes.

Utah's offensive output was the fifth-most in school history, but rather than gloating, the Utes were already thinking about Air Force shortly after the game.

"Everything was clicking," Whittingham said. "Offensively, special teams. We dropped a punt but were solid. There were a lot of good things. But now we turn our full attention to Air Force this Saturday. It will be our toughest contest to date, I'm pretty certain of that."

lwodraska@sltrib.com Twitter: @lyawodraska —

Storylines

P IN SHORT • The Utes extend their home winning streak to 21 games and enjoy their biggest win over CSU since 1957.

KEY STAT • CSU is 2 of 12 on third-down conversions while Utah converts 11 of 15.

KEY MOMENT • DeVonte Christopher scores on a 71-yard pass play from Jordan Wynn to give the Utes a 24-6 halftime lead. —

Utah's largest margins of victory against CSU

1957 • 55-0

1931 • 60-6

2010 • 59-6

1911 • 51-0