Utah
No. 13 Utah routs overmatched Southern Utah 73-7
Estimated learn time: 2-3 minutes
SALT LAKE CITY — Cameron Rising threw for 254 yards within the first half, Dalton Kincaid had 107 yards receiving and two touchdowns and No. 13 Utah routed Southern Utah 73-7 on Saturday.
Coming off a gap loss final week at Florida, Utah scored on 9 consecutive drives, together with eight touchdowns, over the ultimate three quarters in opposition to the FCS Thunderbirds (1-1). The Utes had 599 yards of complete offense.
As six-touchdown underdogs, the Thunderbirds weren’t afraid of taking some dangers. They began the sport with an unsuccessful onside kick that led to a 13-yard landing run by Tavion Thomas.
Southern Utah obtained a break when Thomas fumbled later within the first quarter and Rodrick Ward recovered. On the subsequent play, Grady Robison tied it at 7 on a quarterback draw that went for 28 yards. Utah did not permit any positive factors of 10 yards or extra the remainder of the sport.
Thomas scored on one other landing run early within the second quarter. Utah then turned a fourth-down cease of the plucky Thunderbirds right into a discipline aim and a diving interception by Junior Tafuna into Chris Curry’s TD run.
Rising unleashed extra of Utah’s vertical passing sport, which was absent in opposition to Florida, and capped the primary half with three landing passes to the Utes’ prolific tight ends — two to Kincaid and one to Brant Kuithe. Utah gained 250 yards of offense within the second quarter.
On the primary possession of the second half, R.J. Hubert took an interception 39 yards for a landing. With the massive lead, most of Utah’s stars watched the remainder of the sport from the sideline.
The Ute protection held the Thunderbirds to 85 complete yards regardless of scoring rapidly all through the sport. The blowout marked Utah’s highest-scoring sport since beating UTEP 82-6 in 1973.
THE TAKEAWAY
Southern Utah: The Thunderbirds had been overmatched at each place however had a pleasant second after they tied it within the first quarter. After two seasons with solely two wins, the Thunderbirds are rebuilding and had been helpless to cease the Utes as soon as they obtained rolling.
Utah: Regardless of a turnover, 9 penalties and a few missed assignments, nearly every part the Utes tried was profitable in spades. The starters had been capable of relaxation and a few of backups had an opportunity to indicate their abilities in entrance of a sun-drenched dwelling crowd.
POLL IMPLICATIONS
Utah tumbled out of the highest 10 after the Florida loss, however ought to keep its place.
COMING HOME
Longtime NFL gamers Eric Weddell and Chris Kemoeatu had been honored as a part of this yr’s College of Utah Athletics Corridor of Fame class.
UP NEXT
Southern Utah: At Western Illinois subsequent Saturday.
Utah: Hosts San Diego State subsequent Saturday night time.
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