Tony Finau, Steve Smith Sr. like what they see from Utah football’s offense
Sep 18, 2026, 7:26 PM | Updated: 7:27 pm
Tony Finau admiring a drive at a PGA Event. Photo courtesy by Getty Images.
SALT LAKE CITY — Morgan Scalley’s Utah football program has grabbed the attention of Tony Finau. During a golf-course conversation with Steve Smith Sr., the PGA Tour golfer made it clear he’s been doing more than just checking on the scores.
In a video shared on Smith’s Instagram account, the two discussed the Utes during a conversation, with Finau expressing enthusiasm for the possibilities in Utah’s new offense.
Utah opened Morgan Scalley’s first two games with a 66-14 victory over Idaho and followed it with a 43-10 win over Arkansas, totaling 109 points through two games.
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Tony Finau offers his assessments of Utah football
“We look all right this year,” Finau said optimistically. His use of “we” left little question about his rooting interest.
What followed showed what has him particularly interested: Utah’s willingness to put two quarterbacks — Devon Dampier & Byrd Ficklin, on the field together and give defenses multiple players to account for.
Finau singled out the two-quarterback backfield before offering another quick assessment of the early results.
“The options seem unlimited,” he said.
Steve Smith Sr. adds a pointed coaching observation
Smith, the former Utah receiver, offered the conversation’s sharpest remark when the discussion turned to the head coach.
“The head coach now actually wants to win,” Smith said.
Finau laughed during the exchange before bringing the emphasis back to offensive production.
“He wants to score points,” Finau said.
The conversation was brief and informal, but the scoring enthusiasm has a statistical foundation.
Against the Razorbacks, Utah scored touchdowns on all six of its red-zone possessions. The creativity has helped the Utes finish drives as well as create highlights.
“We saw that the first two games,” Finau said.
For a golfer talking football with one of Utah’s most recognizable former players, it was an assessment rooted in what the Utes have put on the field — and an offense giving him plenty of reasons to keep watching.
Utah’s quarterback combination draws attention
That observation gets to the appeal of what offensive coordinator Kevin McGiven has built around Dampier and Ficklin.
Dampier is Utah’s starting quarterback, while Ficklin has become an increasingly versatile part of the offense. The Utes have used him at quarterback, in the backfield and elsewhere in the formation, creating opportunities for both players to contribute on the same snap.
Against Arkansas, Utah even aligned Dampier, Ficklin, Wayshawn Parker and Daniel Bray together in the backfield. The personnel gives defenses several potential ball carriers to track while preserving the threat of a pass.
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The opening offensive snap against the Razorbacks offered an example. Ficklin found Parker isolated against a linebacker for a 36-yard completion, immediately showing how Utah can create favorable matchups by moving its playmakers around.
Finau’s excitement centers on that flexibility. Utah can change who takes the snap, who carries the ball and who becomes a receiving target without changing the players on the field.
