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Three takeaways from Utah’s win over Oklahoma State

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Three takeaways from Utah’s win over Oklahoma State


No. 12 Utah earned a significant victory in their first Big 12 Conference game, defeating No. 14 Oklahoma State, 22-19. The win moved the Utes to a perfect 4-0 record for the 2024 season. Despite a late surge from the Cowboys, Utah held on for a crucial victory, marking a strong start to their Big 12 campaign. Here are three takeaways from the Utes’ signature win in Stillwater.

Isaac Wilson’s resilience was key

Utes quarterback Isaac Wilson, in only his second start, showcased his resilience and potential. The circumstances weren’t ideal for the young quarterback, yet Wilson rose to the challenge. Despite throwing two interceptions, Wilson managed to keep key drives alive and make big plays when it counted most. His performance, which included completing 17 of 29 passes for 207 yards, one touchdown, and 41 rushing yards, reflected his ability to handle pressure. Wilson’s ability to lead long drives and convert on crucial third downs helped Utah maintain possession and control the tempo of the game.

While the numbers don’t tell the full story, Wilson’s poise under difficult circumstances deserves recognition. His seven successful scoring drives included key plays, such as a 45-yard touchdown pass, and he ended the game generating ten first downs for his team, both in the air and on the ground. Although there’s room for growth, his efforts are a promising sign for Utah’s future at quarterback.

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Mike Gundy’s mismanagement was costly for Oklahoma State against Utah

Utah’s Triple-Threat Offense

Utes running back Micah Bernard continues to solidify his role as the lead back. With three consecutive 100-yard games, Bernard’s ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact has become a crucial element of Utah’s offense. Against Oklahoma State, Bernard rushed for 182 yards on 22 carries, including a 62-yard gain in the second half, showcasing his explosiveness. His ability to consistently move the chains and generate big plays has been vital for Utah this season.

Additionally, wide receiver Dorian Singer and tight end Brant Kuithe came up big in this game. Singer, in particular, formed a solid connection with Wilson, making several crucial catches and finishing the game with 95 yards on seven receptions. Kuithe also played a significant role, contributing 74 yards and a touchdown, while also adding a rushing score.

Utes flex with defensive dominance

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Utah’s defense played a key role in limiting Oklahoma State’s high-powered offense. Coming into the game, the Cowboys had been averaging 42 points and over 446 yards per game. However, the Utes defense held them to just 285 total yards and 19 points. Utah’s ability to stifle Oklahoma State’s running game, holding them to just 48 rushing yards, forced the Cowboys to rely heavily on the pass, where the Utes applied consistent pressure.

While Utah let their foot off the gas late in the game, allowing Oklahoma State to score two quick touchdowns, the defense’s overall efficiency remains a key factor in their success this season. Utah’s defensive resilience will continue to be a strength as they move deeper into Big 12 play.

Utah returns home to face Arizona Wildcats in a late-night showdown next Saturday at 10:15 PM ET on ESPN.



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Utah Jazz vs Portland Trail Blazers Summer League recap and final score

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Utah Jazz vs Portland Trail Blazers Summer League recap and final score


The Utah Jazz won their final summer league game against the Portland Trail Blazers 83-79. It was a fun game that came down to the wire, with a few Jazz players showing promise that could help the team.

The player who surprisingly didn’t help as much as you’d hope was Blake Hinson, who shot just 1/9 from three. Hinson was a sharpshooter for the Jazz last season, and it’s too bad that he couldn’t show that shooting stroke in the summer league. It’s likely not a big deal, but it would have been nice to see that shooting continue in the summer league. It does make you wonder why all the players who played for Utah last season, or will be getting regular minutes next year, didn’t shoot well in Las Vegas. Is that a trend? Or is it just a coincidence? It makes you wonder if the Jazz have been running hard practices, or if the players are tired from enjoying their time in Las Vegas? There’s no way to really know, but it’s interesting.

Utah’s strongest performer, in terms of plus-minus, was Bez Mbeng. He was a team-leading +14 and, even though he didn’t shoot the ball well either, his defense and intensity really shows on the floor. In this one, Mbeng had 4 steals and handled the ball for a lot of the game. He was also one of the top players in minutes with 20 in this one. I personally really like Mbeng and I’m rooting for him to make the team. I do think he can be a defensive-focused do-it-all player who could really contribute if he keeps improving.

Justin Harmon scored the ball well, leading the team in scoring with a team-leading 21 points. He had 6 free throws in this one and was a positive contributor overall. Harmon could be a nice addition to the training camp roster and, if he can show out, maybe he can earn himself a roster spot. He’s worth watching going forward at the very least.

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And with that, the summer league is now over, and we now enter a long summer that will lead into one of the most exciting eras of Jazz basketball I can remember. It will be led by the best prospect in Jazz history to actually suit up for the Utah Jazz, and I can’t wait to see him develop into a superstar wearing the purple and blue.



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Here’s who will lead Utah Valley University as its next president

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Here’s who will lead Utah Valley University as its next president


Jon Anderson will be charged with moving the Orem school forward following the death of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk on campus last year.

(Bethany Baker | The Salt Lake Tribune) Incoming UVU President Jon Anderson poses for a photo with his family after an event announcing his selection at Utah Valley University in Orem on Friday, July 17, 2026.



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Beaver County residents set up thousands of sandbags ahead of flashfloods

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Beaver County residents set up thousands of sandbags ahead of flashfloods


BEAVER COUNTY, Utah — A massive community effort is underway as volunteers and Beaver County crews distribute thousands of sandbags to protect homes from the potential path of floodwaters.

After the Cottonwood Fires, residents have been waiting for weeks for relief to come in the form of rain, though officials now warn it may come all at once with an increased risk of flooding and debris flow.

Emergency Service Director Les Whitney believes that the fire has left plenty of debris to bring trouble for residents.

“We got a lot of water. We’re bringing debris with it, so tree branches, tree limbs, logs, lots of different size firewood, and that’s all in the creeks. We’re worried about that plugging up our bridges and stuff, so we have heavy equipment and excavators located in strategic places so that we can keep those bridges open,” said Whitney.

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An estimated 140 homes and condominiums were spared from the flames, but remain in the paths of floodwaters.

Residents can also pick up sandbags at the Beaver County Sheriff’s Office or at the Beaver County Rodeo Fairgrounds.





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