Utah Utes Shut Out Southern Utah Thunderbirds in Season Opener
In a display of sheer dominance, the Utah Utes inaugurated their season with a resounding 49-0 triumph over the Southern Utah Thunderbirds at Rice-Eccles Stadium. This victory sets the Utes on a promising path with a 1-0 record, while the Thunderbirds are left to regroup after falling to 0-1. A substantial crowd of 52,210 spectators filled the stands to witness Utah's prowess on both offense and defense.
The offensive unit for Utah was nothing short of spectacular, racking up an impressive total of 513 yards. Quarterback Cameron Rising was at the forefront of this onslaught, delivering an outstanding performance by throwing for 254 yards and five touchdowns, completing an impressive 67 percent of his passes. His highlight reel included a remarkable 79-yard touchdown pass that stood out among his achievements, averaging an astonishing 17 yards per completion. Rising found a formidable ally in running back Dijon Stanley who dazzled with 150 receiving yards and two touchdowns from merely three receptions.
Utah's ground game was equally formidable, churning out 185 yards over 39 carries. Mike Mitchell made his presence felt by scoring once on six attempts that totaled up to twenty-one yards. The team's rushing efforts averaged five yards per carry and added another touchdown to their tally.
On defense, Utah proved to be an unyielding force by securing five sacks which resulted in a loss of forty yards for Southern Utah and executing seven tackles for loss that also subtracted forty yards from their opponent's total yardage. Van Fillinger emerged as a defensive standout with two sacks and three tackles contributing twenty-two sack-yards himself. Dallas Vakalahi also made notable contributions with one sack and one tackle for loss costing Southern Utah seven additional yardage.
The special teams unit had its moments too; punter Jack Bouwmeester executed one punt that traveled forty-five yards landing deep within Southern Utah territory without conceding any points.
As we look forward to what lies ahead, fans are eagerly anticipating September seventh when Rice-Eccles Stadium will again be the stage for another anticipated matchup as the Baylor Bears make their way to Salt Lake City. This encounter is scheduled for September seventh at three thirty PM EDT and will be broadcasted by FOX network ensuring fans have every opportunity to catch what is expected to be another engaging contest between these two teams.