Kyle Whittingham Is ‘Closer’ To Finding Utah’s Lead Running Back

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Kyle Whittingham and the Utah offense is close to finding their lead running back after the season opening win over Weber State.

Heading into the season, Utah had a four-man race for the lead running back spot, including Micah Bernard, Tavion Thomas, T.J. Pledger and Chris Curry.

Now that the first game is in the books, Kyle Whittingham feels they are getting closer to finding their lead back.

“Yeah, well closer,” said Whittingham at his weekly press conference on Monday. “Tavion Thomas obviously had a good game production wise although as we mentioned after the game the fumble was the big negative but you know he’s working hard to get that corrected. Micah Bernard played well, and you know, everybody contributed in some respect at the running back position, but I think Tavion was the one that stood out most.”

A night to remember in SLC‼️

The No. 24 Utes put on a show for the largest crowd in @Utah_Football history, downing Weber State 40-17.#GoUtes | #Pac12FB pic.twitter.com/ZFS2k423R3

— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) September 3, 2021

In Utah’s 40-17 win over Weber State, Thomas finished with 12 carries for 107 yards and two touchdowns. Micah Bernard ran the ball six times for 35 yards, while catching three passes for 41 yards. T.J. Pledger had two rush attempts for 10 yards and was thrown to just once but he dropped the ball on a potential touchdown. Chris Curry recorded three carries for eight yards.

Utah will turn their attention to in-state rival BYU on Saturday, September 11 at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo. Kickoff is at 8:15 p.m. MDT on ESPN.

Trevor Allen is a Utah Utes Insider for KSLSports.com, Co-Host of Faith, Family and Football podcast with Clark Phillips III and host of the Crimson Corner podcast. Follow him on Twitter: @TrevorASports.