Last season, the Utes lost to the San Diego State Aztecs 33-31 in an overtime thriller that very much left Utah unhappy.

In this year’s rematch, the Utes dominated. Beating the Aztecs 35-7 at Rice Eccles Stadium, Utah showed their improvements in this year’s squad versus last year’s, dominating on both sides of the ball, particularly the defensive end.

First half

After a scoreless first quarter, the Utes put the pedal to the metal in the second quarter, with Cam Rising throwing for three touchdowns on three consecutive drives, each to different receivers. The Utes’ defense was stellar, never letting the Aztecs past midfield throughout the entire first half. Ending the half up 21-0, the Utes had the game in their grasp early.

Second half

In their first two drives of the half, the Utes kept the momentum rolling, keeping San Diego State on their half of the field and scoring twice more, giving Tavion Thomas his first rushing touchdown and Cam Rising his fourth passing touchdown, his career-high. The Utes never scored after Rising’s fourth touchdown, but they didn’t need to. Only allowing the Aztecs past midfield twice while allowing just one touchdown, the Utes won 35-7.

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Game notes

  • The Utes’ pass defense was outstanding, holding San Diego State to under three yards per attempt and to a total of 60 passing yards throughout the game. Rising threw for 224 yards and 7.5 yards per attempt.
  • The Utes spread the love to many of their receivers, with four wideouts getting three or more receptions, and five receivers tallying over 30 yards.
  • Utah still lives by the run, totaling 174 yards on 4.6 yards per carry, with Tavion Thomas and Micah Bernard shining.
  • Utah’s sophomore receiver Devaughn Vele is someone to watch for. He totaled two touchdowns and 38 yards on the night while also returning punts for 60 yards.
  • Outside of a late muffed punt, the Utes did a great job holding on to the ball, with no interceptions or fumbles by the offense. 

Up next

The Utes travel to Tempe to face Arizona State on Saturday, Sep. 24. The game will kick off at 8:30 p.m. MT and can be seen on ESPN.

All stats are via ESPN.com.

 

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