Utah Utes Open Season with a 41-10 win over Weber State

The Utah Utes (1-0) got off on the right foot in the 2018 season with a 41-10 win over Weber State from the FCS.

The game did not start off well for the Utes. Utah muffed a punt midway through the first quarter, which led to a Weber State field goal. On Utah’s next offensive play, Huntley through an interception run back to the Utah 2-yard line, after the offensive line got pushed back into his lap and tipped the ball. Weber would score again on a Kaden Jenks touchdown run, just 14 seconds after they took the lead with a field goal. Down 10-0, the Utah offense finally woke up and answered with a seven-play, 75-yard touchdown drive. They got into scoring position again, but Matt Gay had his 43-yard field goal blocked.

The scoring would remain quiet until Moss ripped off an 86-yard touchdown run with six and half minutes left in the second quarter. Utah would score again before halftime when Gay connected on a 35-yard field goal right before halftime. Utah took a 17-10 lead into halftime.

The Utah offense stalled on their first drive to start the second half, but on their second drive, Utah scored a touchdown on a four-play, 49-yard drive. Most of the yardage was thanks to Covey who scrambled for 38 yards, weaving through the Weber State defense on a busted play that looked like it was called to be a wide receiver pass. It was one of the most incredible plays you will ever see. Huntley found Moss on a nine-yard swing route to give the Utes another TD. Utah would score on their next drive, after a Mitch Wishnowsky converted a fourth and five to keep the drive alive on what did not look like a called fake punt. True freshman Solomon Enis drew a pass interference penalty on the next play. Huntley would cap the 68-yard drive with a 24-yard touchdown pass to Siaosi Mariner.

Utah would again score on their next drive. The drive started in the third quarter, but Huntley would find a WIDE open Brant Kuithe for a 29-yard touchdown pass to cap the drive. Solomon Enis made a big-time 29-yard grab on the drive as well, that really showcased some of his talent. Utah’s next drive ended with an Armand Shyne fumble that Weber State returned to the Utah 27 yard line. Utah would hold Weber State and blocked their 45-yard field goal attempt.

Utah got plenty of reps for their twos late in the fourth quarter, and some dudes made big plays. Jason Shelley came in to spell Huntley, and he promptly hit Jaylen Dixon for a 40 yard bomb. That play would later end with a fumble. His next drive Shelley scrambled for a great 40 yard run, that was almost as fun to watch as Covey’s run earlier in the game.

Statistically it was a dominate night for the Utes, who gained 587 yards while giving up just 61 to the Wildcats. Tyler Huntley started off the game shaky, but he came around and caught fire in the second half and finished the night 24-of-39 for 253 yards and four touchdowns. Zack Moss had a short night, really not playing much in the second half. He ended with 150 yards and a touchdown. Britain Covey had a successful return to the team with 64 yard rushing and 53 through the air. Siaosi Mariner caught some fire in the second half too, picking up 73 yards and his touchdown.

Next up for the Utes is Northern Illinois on the road, a tricky game before the Washington in two weeks. The Utes have plenty to clean up between now and next week.