Utah’s Defense Posts Shutout Over Idaho State
Sep 14, 2019, 6:19 PM | Updated: 8:07 pm
Utah Utes linebacker Francis Bernard (13) celebrates a stop against the Idaho State Bengals during NCAA football in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019. (Ravell Call, Deseret News)
(Ravell Call, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The University of Utah defense made a statement, holding Idaho State to just 116 yards of total offense in their 31-0 win over the Bengals.
Utah finishes the non-conference portion of their schedule with a 3-0 record. They scored all 31 points in the first three quarters.
It was Utah’s first shutout since 2016 when they beat Southern Utah 24-0.
Linebacker Devin Lloyd created havoc on Idaho State, finishing with a team-high 9 tackles, including 3.5 for loss and a sack, his second of the season.
The defense had two sacks and 8 tackles-for-loss, while limiting Idaho State to 80 passing and 36 rushing yards.
𝗨𝗧𝗘𝗦 𝗪𝗜𝗡 with the shutout! Utah outgained Idaho St 543-116 yards 🤯 pic.twitter.com/0LPyycF3se
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) September 14, 2019
Utah’s Offense Off To Hot Start
The Utes started the game with a 37-yard field goal by Jadon Redding, his first college football field goal of his career. Later in the first quarter, running back Zack Moss ran for a one yard touchdown, but had two plays over 30 yards in the opening period.
Moss would pass Tony Lindsay for second in Utah football history in career rushing yards and moved up to second in career rushing touchdowns.
Late in the opening quarter, quarterback Tyler Huntley found wide receiver Bryan Thompson for an 82-yard touchdown pass to put Utah up 17-0.
Early in the second quarter, Huntley connected with tight end Brant Kuithe on a 60-yard touchdown to stretch their lead to 24-0.
At the end of the half, Utah had 365 yards of total offense (200 passing, 165 rushing). Huntley completed 8 of his 12 pass attempts for 200 yards and 2 touchdowns. Moss racked up 106 yards and one touchdown on 10 carries.
The Utes’ defense held Idaho State to just 57 yards of total offense.
Backups Contribute In Second Half
After completing 15 of his 19 pass attempts for 282 yards and 3 touchdowns, Huntley was brought out of the game with six minutes left in the third quarter. Drew Lisk was able to get some reps, throwing for a perfect 6-for-6 passing for 38 yards.
Jason Shelley, who started the last five games of the 2018 season came in with over nine minutes left in the game, but handed off the ball to the running backs in his time on the field.
Moss came out of the game in the second quarter, which gave the opportunity to four other running backs to gain some experience.
Freshman Jordan Wilmore ran the ball seven times for 38 yards, Devin Brumfield had three carries for 22 yards, T.J. Green added 18 yards on five attempts and Devontae Henry-Cole chipped in 13 yards on four carries.
Up Next
The Utes will begin Pac-12 play with a short turnaround. They will travel to USC to face the Trojans on Friday night. The game will be broadcast on FS1 beginning at 7 p.m.
USC is coming off of an overtime loss to the BYU Cougars in Provo, 30-27.
