No. 12 Utah kicked off the 2024 season in impressive fashion with stars Cam Rising and Brant Kuithe returning to make strong statements in a commanding 49-0 victory over Southern Utah. The Utes delivered the expected result, showcasing their dominance while fine-tuning their game plan. As the team now sets its sights on a more challenging test against the Baylor Bears, here are three takeaways from Thursday night’s performance.

Utes run game shows promise

One of the most encouraging signs for Utah was the performance of their running game. While no single rusher stood out — the leading rusher managed just 34 yards — the team still compiled 185 rushing yards. This collective effort underscores a promising ground attack, one that has clearly benefited from improvements along the offensive line. The push from the line was solid, creating enough space for running backs to find creases and utilize cutback lanes, a notable improvement from last season when running room was often hard to come by.

However, for the rushing attack to be sustainable throughout the season, Utah will need one or more backs to emerge as go-to options. The distribution of carries worked against Southern Utah, but consistency from key players will be essential as the Utes face tougher defenses. The balance of an effective passing game, led by Rising and Kuithe, seemed to open up more opportunities for the ground game, setting a positive tone for the season ahead.

Caleb Lohner’s impactful debut

Caleb Lohner, a converted basketball player, made a notable debut for Utah. Playing significant snaps, Lohner showcased his athleticism and versatility, particularly with his acrobatic, contested touchdown catch late in the game. The play, which appeared to be a back shoulder throw, demonstrated Lohner’s excellent hand-eye coordination and physicality, qualities that will make him a valuable asset in the tight end rotation.

Lohner’s route-running, physical presence, and involvement in both the passing and running game stood out, highlighting his potential to become a key contributor. His performance suggests that he could be a significant part of Utah’s offensive plans this season, especially as he continues to develop his skills on the football field.

Keanu Tanuvasa’s disruptive presence

Defensive lineman Keanu Tanuvasa emerged as a potential difference-maker for the Utes. While he didn’t register tackles behind the line of scrimmage, his ability to penetrate the backfield and disrupt plays was evident. Tanuvasa’s quick first step and knack for beating offensive linemen allowed him to create pressure consistently, forcing Southern Utah to adjust their game plan with quick passes to avoid his rush.

Though Tanuvasa missed a few opportunities to make game-changing plays, his consistent backfield presence was a highlight of Utah’s defensive effort. As the Utes prepare for stiffer competition, Tanuvasa’s disruptiveness could prove crucial. If he can maintain this level of play, he will be a key figure in Utah’s defense, creating headaches for opposing offenses throughout the season.

Utah welcomes Baylor into Rice-Eccles Stadium next Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET.

A new dinosaur species has potentially been recovered after the reconstruction of its remains.

The first-of-its-kind green dinosaur fossil was discovered in southeastern Utah, and was reassembled by a team from the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHMLAC).

The 150-million-year-old dinosaur was first spotted in 2007, according to a report from National Geographic, among a “logjam” of various dinosaur bones belonging to diplodocus, stegosaurus, allosaurus, camarasaurus and other species.

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The bones that were collected for reconstruction do not belong to one single dinosaur, NatGeo reported.

Instead, they’re a combination of parts from two or more prehistoric reptiles of the same species found at the site.

The identity of this species has yet to be determined, as it may be new to science — but experts believe it belongs to the genus diplodocus due to its characteristic long neck and “four sturdy legs.”

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In the meantime, the dinosaur has been named “Gnatalie” by excavation team members, as there was an influx of gnats during that first summer at the dig site, NatGeo said.

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From the site where the fossils were prepped, the bones were sent to Research Casting International (RCI) in Canada — one of the world’s largest providers of museum technical services — for casting and mounting. 

Gnatalie then made its way to its new display in Los Angeles.

At the museum’s lab in Los Angeles, preparators cut open the jackets and spent years removing the concrete-hard matrix. Here, preparator Erika Durazo reveals the details in a section of the dinosaur’s spine. (Craig Cutler/National Geographic)

The sauropod, a large herbivorous dinosaur known for its long neck and tail, is the most complete skeleton of its kind on the West Coast, according to NatGeo.

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The dinosaur stands 75 feet long — almost twice the length of the average city bus — and weighs about five tons. 

It’s also the first green dino skeleton to be displayed worldwide.

The crowning moment comes as RCI technician Kevin Krudwig positions the skull on the nearly completed skeleton, which measures 75 feet long and weighs about five tons. In life, the dinosaur may have weighed two times as much. (Craig Cutler/National Geographic)

Its unusual green color occurred after volcanic activity from 80 to 50 million years ago made it hot enough for a new green mineral to change the color of the bones, NatGeo reported.

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In November, the multi-million-dollar reconstruction will be the star attraction of a new wing of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.

Zane Beadles, a standout offensive lineman, had an illustrious career at the University of Utah from 2006 to 2009. His tenure at Utah was marked by his exceptional skill, leadership, and durability, making him one of the most celebrated linemen in the program’s history.

Beadles arrived at Utah in 2006 as a three-star recruit out of Hillcrest High School in Sandy, Utah. Initially, he played sparingly as a freshman, but by his sophomore year in 2007, he had become a key figure on the offensive line. Starting every game, Beadles quickly established himself as a versatile and reliable lineman. He initially played at right tackle but moved to left tackle during his junior and senior years, showcasing his adaptability and prowess in protecting the quarterback’s blindside.

One of the highlights of Beadles’ career at Utah was being a part of the 2008 Utah Utes football team, which went undefeated and achieved a historic victory over Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. The win solidified Utah’s place as a top team in the country and marked one of the most memorable seasons in the program’s history. Beadles was a key component of that team, anchoring an offensive line that played a crucial role in the team’s success. His protection allowed quarterback Brian Johnson to thrive, leading the Utes to their 13-0 season.

Throughout his collegiate career, Beadles earned numerous accolades. He was named to the All-Mountain West Conference team three times and received first-team honors in 2008 and 2009. In his senior year, he was also recognized as a consensus All-American, highlighting his status as one of the nation’s premier offensive linemen.

Beyond his on-field accomplishments, Beadles was known for his leadership and work ethic. He served as a team captain during his senior season and was a respected figure in the locker room. His commitment to excellence extended beyond football, as he was also a standout in the classroom, earning Academic All-Mountain West honors.

Beadles’ success at Utah paved the way for a career in the NFL. He was selected in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos, marking the beginning of a professional career that would span several seasons.

Beadles’ legacy at the University of Utah remains strong. His impact on the field, combined with his leadership and academic success, made him one of the program’s most respected figures.