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Ann Arbor, Mich. • Big-game opportunities remain with rivals Michigan State and Ohio State, but Saturday's 26-10 loss to Utah did not help Michigan coach Brady Hoke's cause.

Hoke blamed two critical factors in the defeat: Michigan's failure to finish drives and Utah's fast start in the third quarter.

The game was tied 10-10 late in the first half and Michigan seemed to have the momentum after turning an interception into a touchdown. But Ute backup quarterback Kendal Thompson responded with a drive for a field goal, then starter Travis Wilson returned from injury to direct a five-play, 67-yard touchdown drive to begin the third quarter.

"I wish I could tell you exactly what happened," Hoke said. "We were very disappointed in that drive, though. I mean, that's not the way we wanted to start the second half."

The Wolverines lost four turnovers and scored only three offensive points in the game. Michigan could not establish a consistent running game and the coaching staff benched quarterback Devin Gardner in the fourth quarter.

His replacement, Shane Morris, threw an interception and lost a fumble, so Gardner is unlikely to have lost his job. Michigan hosts Minnesota next Saturday in its Big Ten opener.

Against the Utes, Michigan's offense turned 308 yards into three points, never reaching Utah's 20-yard line. That also was the case in a 31-0 loss to Notre Dame two weeks ago.

"It is frustrating," said offensive lineman Jack Miller. "We are obviously disappointed. It wasn't how we wanted to play."

Hoke hired offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier to solve such issues. "I don't think there needs to be an overhaul," Hoke said. "I think it's the execution, the little things that we need to do. Again, that starts here [with coaching]. We've got to do a better job with that part of it. I have a lot of faith in those guys who are out there on the field."

kkragthorpe@sltrib.com Michigan's offensive production in losses to Notre Dame and Utah:

Vs. Notre Dame

• First downs 18

• Rushing yards 100

• Passing yards 189

• Total yards 289

• Offensive points 0

Vs. Utah

• First downs 19

• Rushing yards 118

• Passing yards 190

• Total yards 308

• Offensive points 3