Utah
No. 12 Utah opens Big 12 era seeking third straight win over in-state foe Southern Utah
Southern Utah at No. 12 Utah, Thursday, 9 p.m. ET (ESPN+)
BetMGM College Football Odds: No line.
Series record: Utah 2-0
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
Utah makes its debut as a member of the Big 12 Conference as the preseason favorite to win the league title. The Utes are finally healthy after battling injuries last season and have experience and depth across the board. Utah has won 14 straight games over FCS opponents since 1994, including a pair of victories over Southern Utah. Coming off its first winning season since 2017, Southern Utah seeks its first victory over an FBS opponent in 11 years.
KEY MATCHUP
Utah has a more potent passing attack on paper than last season and the Utes will likely try to stretch the field. Southern Utah is breaking in a new quarterback, so getting stops early from the defense will be crucial.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Utah: All eyes will be on QB Cam Rising, who missed the entire 2023 season after suffering a severe knee injury in the Rose Bowl. The seventh-year senior has 5,572 career passing yards and 46 career passing touchdowns. He threw 254 yards and 3 TDs in Utah’s 73-7 victory over the Thunderbirds in 2022.
Southern Utah: Success for the Thunderbirds will come down being able to find cracks in Utah’s stifling run defense. RBs Braedon Wissler and Targhee Lambson combined for 1,169 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground a year ago and both will factor heavily into the offense again this season.
FACTS & FIGURES
Utah has never lost to an FCS team in Kyle Whittingham’s 30 years of coaching at the school. FCS opponents have scored just 8.3 points per game against the Utes during that span. … SUU won its final four games of 2023 while allowing 13.3 points per contest over that stretch. … The Utes have posted a winning record in 10 straight seasons … SUU has lost 15 straight games against FBS teams since edging South Alabama 22-21 in 2013. … Utah has scored 94 rushing touchdowns since 2021.
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Utah
Dybantsa, Mandaquit lead Utah Prep to ‘Iolani Classic title | Honolulu Star-Advertiser
Utah
Utah Jazz vs Brooklyn Nets: Recap and Final Score
The Utah Jazz beat the Brooklyn Nets at the Barclays Center with a final score of 105-94.
For the pro-tank Jazz fans, these type of games hurt. With this win, the Jazz move out of the bottom-three worst records in the league and would now fall behind the Nets in the lottery, should their records tie at the end of the season (pending Brooklyn’s visit to Utah on January 12th). With that said, losing this game would have proven difficult for Utah, as the Nets shot a shocking 7-40 from three, versus Utah’s 14-41. That type of three-point shooting discrepancy is almost insurmountable for any team in the NBA today.
The Jazz were led tonight by Lauri Markkanen’s 21 points and seven rebounds. Collin Sexton chipped in 18 points on 8-14 shooting, while Jordan Clarkson added another 16 points on 6-12 from the field. With Cody Williams and Kyle Filipowski both assigned out due to G-League assignments, Utah’s rotation featured some less-frequented veteran faces. Svi Mykhailiuk pitched in 18 points tonight on 7-11 shooting from the field and 4-8 shooting from three. Micah Potter, while only given nine minutes, scored three points, grabbed two rebounds, and dished out two assists. While both Williams and Filipowski playing more minutes in the G-League does offer some developmental value, a game like tonight would have been a great opportunity to involve them more in the offense, rather than having players like Mykhailiuk eat up playing time. Hopefully the Jazz call up both sooner than later.
For the Nets, Cam Johnson led their team in scoring with 18 points. Ben Simmons offered a double-double, scoring 15 points and nabbing 10 rebounds.
Utah
Utah transfer running back Mike Washington flips to Arkansas
Arkansas has added a significant boost to its backfield with the signing of New Mexico State transfer running back Mike Washington. Washington, who originally committed to Utah through the transfer portal, opted for Arkansas after a visit to Fayetteville. This shift highlights the competitive nature of the transfer portal and player commitments.
At 6-foot-2 and weighing 215 pounds, Washington brings size, strength, and a proven track record of production. In 2024, he rushed for 725 yards and eight touchdowns on 157 carries, averaging 4.6 yards per attempt. His ability to contribute in the passing game, evidenced by nine receptions for 74 yards and a touchdown, adds another layer to his versatility. Washington’s standout performance against Western Kentucky, where he ran for 152 yards and two scores, underscores his potential to deliver in crucial moments.
Before his time at New Mexico State, Washington spent three seasons at Buffalo. His 2022 campaign was particularly noteworthy, as he led the Bulls with 625 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. That year, he recorded a memorable 92-yard touchdown run against Bowling Green, showcasing his breakaway speed. His consistent ability to catch passes out of the backfield further enhances his value, with 23 receptions for 135 yards and a touchdown in 2022.
Former Oklahoma QB Brendan Zurbrugg transfers to Utah
Washington’s path to Arkansas reflects his desire to compete at the highest level. Although Utah initially secured his commitment, the allure of the SEC and the opportunity to make an immediate impact likely influenced his final decision. Arkansas benefits from Washington’s experience and ability to perform against strong competition, which will be critical as the Razorbacks aim to elevate their standing in the conference.
For Utah, Washington’s departure leaves a gap, but the Utes have incoming talent to fill the void. Transfers like Wayshawn Parker and NaQuari Rogers, along with promising freshmen, will be tasked with stepping up.
Washington’s arrival in Arkansas adds depth and experience to the Razorbacks’ running back room, positioning him as a key player to watch in the upcoming season.
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