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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