Cam Rising made his triumphant return as the senior had a career-high five touchdown passes — three to Brant Kuithe — to power No. 12 Utah to a 49-0 win over Southern Utah on Thursday night at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
In his first game back, Rising, a seventh-year senior, completed 10 of 15 passes for 254 yards and five touchdowns to go with 25 rushing yards on the ground. Rising didn’t even play the entire first half as he left the second quarter with Utah up 35-0.
Kuithe, who also missed the previous season and most of 2022, made a significant impact, catching three touchdowns — all in the second quarter. His scores included a 29-yard reception on the opening play of the quarter, an 18-yard grab three minutes later, and an impressive 11-yard touchdown catch with 1:08 remaining before halftime. Kuithe had to fight off three defenders on his way into the end zone.
This performance marked the first time Utah has had five passing touchdowns in a half since Brian Johnson achieved that feat against San Diego State in 2008 — the last year the Utes went undefeated.
In their debut as a Big 12 Conference team, the Utes amassed 513 total yards, extending their streak to 15 consecutive wins over FCS opponents. The team reached 500 yards of offense only once last season, against Arizona State.
Kuithe also made history as the first tight end in Big 12 history to record three touchdown receptions in a single half.
The Utes continued their strong home-field performance under coach Kyle Whittingham, improving to 14-1 in season openers at home. Rising started strong with a 64-yard touchdown pass to Dijon Stanley on Utah’s first drive. Stanley later added a 79-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter, finishing with 150 yards on three catches and leading the team with 34 rushing yards.
However, the Utes’ depth was tested as starting cornerback Kenan Johnson, a transfer from Georgia Tech, left the game in the first quarter with a leg injury. Cornerback is a noted area of concern for Utah heading into the season.
