Utah improved to 6-0 on the season following a 27-24 win over Colorado on Saturday night.

It wasn’t Utah’s best performance of the season, but the Utes found a way to win their first close game of the year.

Here are my three biggest takeaways from the win.

Played Through Adversity

For the first time this season, Utah faced some real adversity.

After taking a 13-0 lead into halftime, Utah allowed Colorado to score 17 unanswered points and take the lead in the third quarter.

Devon Dampier also had one of his tougher performances of the season, throwing two interceptions and getting sacked four times.

Despite the mistakes, Utah responded when it needed to.

Dampier finished with 278 passing yards and three touchdowns, including two second-half touchdowns to Braden Pegan.

Utah hadn’t really been tested through its first five games, so seeing how this team responded when things weren’t going its way was important.

Not every game is going to be a blowout, especially in Big 12 play. Utah showed it can win even when it isn’t playing its best football.

Red Zone Execution Needs Improvement

One of the bigger concerns from Saturday was Utah’s inability to finish drives.

Utah dominated the first half, outgaining Colorado 248-70, but only had 13 points to show for it.

The Utes finished with six red-zone trips but managed just three touchdowns.

Utah also struggled to establish its usual rushing attack, finishing with 131 yards on 39 attempts.

For an offense that has been one of the best in the country this season, there were too many missed opportunities.

Utah has to do a better job of finishing drives and taking advantage of scoring opportunities.

Especially with some of the tougher teams on its schedule still ahead.

Receivers Stepped Up When Needed

With Utah struggling to run the football, the passing game played a big role in Saturday’s win.

Braden Pegan continued his impressive season, finishing with eight receptions for 86 yards and two touchdowns.

Creed Whittemore also had one of his better performances of the season, finishing with 88 yards on three receptions.

Whittemore had two big catches in the second half, including a 43-yard reception on third-and-10 that helped set up Utah’s go-ahead touchdown.

It was good to see Utah’s receivers step up when the running game wasn’t producing at its usual level.

The Utes have relied heavily on their rushing attack this season, but Saturday showed they have some legitimate weapons in the passing game as well.

That balance is going to be important as Utah gets deeper into Big 12 play.

Utah still has plenty to clean up, but being able to win a game like this on the road is a good sign for Morgan Scalley’s team.