Wild Series Of Events Take Utah Football From Tied To Up Two Touchdowns
Sep 7, 2024, 2:11 PM | Updated: 2:14 pm
Utah Utes wide receiver Money Parks (10) runs for a touchdown after catch on the Utes first offensive play in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023 during the season opener. (Photo courtesy of Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News)
(Photo courtesy of Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY – After both Utah and Baylor’s first drives ended quickly and with no points, the Utes Football team rattled off two touchdowns in less than 30 seconds of game time.
The first score came on a WR sweep to Money Parks.
Cash Money. @MonterrenParks
📺 @CFBONFOX #GoUtes pic.twitter.com/LQ3l3UIREs
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) September 7, 2024
On the very next play, the Utes added insult to injury.
Defensive end Connor O’Toole was unblocked on his way to the quarterback and the big hit knocked the ball out as he was winding up to throw.
A pack of Utes jumped on the ball, giving the offense the ball back in the red zone.
After a defensive pass interference moved Utah up to the two-yard line, Cam Rising found Micah Bernard wide-open on the right side for a second score.
Micah Bernard walks in another TD for @Utah_Football 💪 pic.twitter.com/cPWGUJKMtZ
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 7, 2024
Just 20 seconds came off the clock between the two TD plays for Utah.
Utah Football Gameday Thoughts From Utes Insider Steve Bartle
1. Today is about standing on business
Last week’s win over Southern Utah didn’t move the needle much given the difference between the two respective programs. Today’s contest will be met with a great deal of interest, as we will learn a lot about each team.
Utah is the heavy favorite according to many prognosticators. Under Kyle Whittingham, Utah has won 33 straight games as a double-digit favorite.
Despite the matchup of two Big 12 programs playing during Big 12 Homecoming Week, this game doesn’t count toward the conference record.
Given the high expectations around the program this season. A good performance in this one will do a lot to validate a lot of beliefs around this team.
This game is simply about standing on business for the Utes.
Utes in the 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞🔥#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/v2b2sIK9gI
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) September 7, 2024
2. Lots of talk about physicality, who flexes the muscle
There’s been a lot of talk throughout the week about the increased level of competition. It’s largely centered around the physicality of the matchup.
In a few upsets through two weeks of action, the underdog has relied on physicality and toughness to beat the more talented teams.
This will be a physical contest, who flexes the most muscle- particularly in the run game, will likely determine the outcome of the game.
In their week one matchups, Baylor gained 164 rushing yards on 43 attempts last week, while allowing 101 yards on 41 rushes. Utah picked up 185 yards on 39 attempts, while giving up 79 yards on 30 rushes.
Coach Whittingham’s program prides itself on being a physical and tough program. They will need more of it from the offensive and defensive lines in this one. These two position groups will set the tone for the game.
𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐈𝐭 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧 #GoUtes pic.twitter.com/tcScmSgH3P
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) September 6, 2024
3. Excited to see more of the offense
Utah made big additions on the offensive side of the ball this offseason. The offense shouldn’t be as dependent on one or two guys for the bulk of production as it’s been in the past.
When they last stepped on the field, the Utes walked away with a 49-0 victory. Utah ended up running for 185 yards on 39 attempts, while two quarterbacks combined to throw for 318 yards. The Utes finished the game with 513 yards while running 65 plays for an impressive 7.9 yds per play.
Yet, there is so much more to see from the offense and it starts today.
RELATED: Three Keys To Victory For Utah Football Against Baylor Bears
All Red Everything‼️#GoUtes | @BookSeatscom pic.twitter.com/Y7fSp8eNKP
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) September 4, 2024
Dorian Singer saw minimal opportunity last week. He should be a point of focus in this one. Perhaps the same goes for other offseason additions like Carsen Ryan and Damien Alford, but Singer at the very least should have a bigger presence this week.
Cam Rising looked sharp in his decision-making last week, he’ll need to be even sharper in this one. Properly identifying how and where to attack this Baylor defense and then executing will be a big factor in this one.
For the top Utah Football storylines, follow Utah insider Steve Bartle or check out his coverage on sports.ksl.com.
