SALT LAKE CITY- #14 Utah needed another dominant performance and they got it against SDSU. In fact, despite a slower start on offense for the Utes through the first quarter or so, they still played their most aggressive football as a team so far in 2022 defeating the Aztecs 35-7.
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— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) September 18, 2022
Offense starts slow, defense goes to the races
Utah’s offense didn’t get off to the fastest start, as quarterback Cam Rising struggled to complete passes to begin with. The promotion was just 4 of 12 for 39 yards in the first quarter, but finished the game 18 of 30 for 224 yards and four touchdowns.
The defense, on the other hand, was nasty from the jump. In the first quarter they held SDSU to just 35 yards on 11 plays. Utah’s defense did a great job applying pressure from start to finish holding the Aztecs to just 173 yards of total offense, nine first downs and converting just 3 of 15 third downs.
Utah has wide receivers and can use them, too
The Utes were very clear about wanting to use receivers during spring and fall camp, but the first two games were relatively absent. However, against San Diego State they found a groove with Rising.
Solomon Enis and Devaughn Vele were responsible for three of Utah’s five touchdowns. Tight end Brant Kuithe and running back Tavion Thomas were the other two. The Utes also had seven different pass catchers throughout the game, using their talent all over the field as well as they have all season.
Juggernauts on defense
One of the biggest problems with Utah’s defense early on was the lack of anyone making notable plays. That changed tonight against SDSU.
Defensive end Van Fillinger missed Utah’s first two games of the season, but made his presence known against the Aztecs. He was constantly in the quarterback’s face and making big plays.
Safety Cole Bishop led the team in tackles with nine and was practically all over the field against the Aztecs.
Karene Reid snagged an interception that set up a subsequent touchdown in the third quarter. He was also disruptive in the pass rush and was responsible for four total tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss.
Special equipment, a mixed bag
Early on it looked like special teams would be on the epic end of the spectrum for the Utes in their matchup with the Aztecs. They recovered a fumble by SDSU to set up a touchdown. However, they would later muff their own punt return that would set up San Diego State’s lone touchdown of the night.
