Utes Recover From Slow Start, Roll Past Weber State 41-10

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Weber State came out roaring against Utah, but faded in the final three quarters in a 41-10 season-opening win for the Utes.

A pair of costly Utah turnovers led to a 10-0 lead for Weber State in the first quarter. A fumbled punt return by Utah’s Britain Covey led to a Wildcats field goal. Tyler Huntley was picked off on the next possession, which led to a 2-yard touchdown run by Weber State quarterback Kaden Jenks. Utah responded to the 10-0 run by the Wildcats by scoring on a 3-yard pass from Huntley to Cole Fotheringham.

Midway through the second, the Utes took a 14-10 lead thanks to an 86-yard touchdown run by Zack Moss. The 2017 Lou Groza award winner, Matt Gay, knocked in a 35-yard field goal near the end of the quarter to give Utah a 17-10 halftime lead.

Once the Utes had the lead, the floodgates were wide open as they rolled to 41 straight points, while holding Weber State scoreless the rest of the way.

Utah lost the turnover battle by turning it over four times compared to none by the Wildcats. That mattered only in the early portion of the game. For the most part, Weber State’s offense was virtually non-existent, managing just 61 yards to 587 for Utah.

Over than the interception, Huntley played well, throwing for 253 yards and four TDs. In his collegiate debut, Jenks had a poor outing going just 5-for-22 for 13 yards.

With the first game under their respective belts, both teams will look to face their next opponent. The Utes will hit the road to face Northern Illinois on September 8, while Weber State will travel to play Cal Poly.