Turnover Sets Up Isaac Wilson, Caleb Lohner Connection For Utah’s First Touchdown
Sep 28, 2024, 11:42 PM | Updated: 11:55 pm
Utah Utes quarterback Isaac Wilson (11) throws under pressure from Arizona Wildcats defensive lineman Ta'ita'i Uiagalelei (46) in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. (Photo courtesy of Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News)
(Photo courtesy of Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY – Utah Football tight end Caleb Lohner reeled in his third touchdown catch of the year to put the Utes within striking distance of Arizona in the fourth quarter.
The scoring drive was set up by a Tao Johnson interception on the first play of the fourth.
RELATED: Tao Johnson Picks Off Noah Fifita To Give Utah Fourth-Quarter Spark
3 career catches, 3 career TDs for @caleblohner 👊
📺: @espn #GoUtes pic.twitter.com/wVXp8pKac6
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) September 29, 2024
After having just 46 yards of total offense in the third quarter, freshman QB Isaac Wilson led Utah on a 6-play, 80-yard drive before finding Lohner.
After transitioning from college basketball with Baylor and BYU to football, the 6-foot-7 tight end has a pretty clear role in Salt Lake City.
He has three catches so far in his Utes career and all three have been for touchdowns.
Our guy is shooting 100% from the field on the season.
👌👌@caleblohner | #GoUtes https://t.co/g2eFuEQKyz pic.twitter.com/J8vHNFTqkY— Utah Athletics (@utahathletics) September 29, 2024
The score left Utah trailing by just six points,
However, they were unable to build on that momentum and the Wildcats quickly extended their lead back to 13.
Three Game Day Thoughts From Utes Insider Steve Bartle
1. Night game at Rice-Eccles Stadium
Utah has really leaned into the Dark Mode theme this season. As they should. There is something truly extraordinary about Rice-Eccles at night.
“I don’t know (what it is) but there is something magical about Rice-Eccles and night games,” head coach Kyle Whittingham said in last week’s press conference.
The atmosphere in the stadium tonight should be pretty electric. It’s been a while since the last home game at night for the Utes, there weren’t any last season.
RELATED: Utah Football Vs. Arizona Fan Guide: TV Info, What To Wear, Top Storylines
Utah is also coming off of a rather momentous road victory at Oklahoma State, a rather ideal scenario for homecoming week. This weekend has featured the throwback uniforms, which now have the all-black set to match the Dark Mode theme as well.
Wear black. Be early. Be loud. 🙌#GoUtes https://t.co/7TfVe2Dbiv
— Utah Athletics (@utahathletics) September 28, 2024
There is certainly a lot of excitement for this game, defensive tackle Junior Tafuna summed it up best earlier this week.
“Rice-Eccles is always louder after dark,” he said. “Rice-Eccles is going to be popping, it’s going to be loud and I’m excited, we’re all excited.”
2. A chance to go 5-0 with all the context around the start of this season
Utah football has a chance to do something significant this weekend in the Big 12 Conference.
But first, consider that Utah has seen their star quarterback in four quarters of action this season.
Not only that, but they lost their No. 2 cornerback within the first couple series of the season. Then their veteran defensive leader and top pass rusher have each missed the last two games.
Going to be some big time visitors this weekend! May even be a couple of late additions to the list. #GoUtes pic.twitter.com/RTseeVDHc3
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) September 26, 2024
Yet, Utah has an opportunity tonight night to improve to 5-0 and solidify their standing atop the Big 12. Something many only considered possible if Cam Rising were healthy, let alone Kenan Johnson, Karene Reid, and Connor O’Toole.
Regardless of what happens tonight, Utah has positioned themselves favorably with their best ball ahead of them.
3. Curious to hear about the new concessions process
The fan experience is an important dynamic in football games. In the previous two home games, the experience was less than ideal.
Due to significant concourse congestion issues, Utah Athletics and Rice-Eccles Stadium have changed the process around their concessions.
These issues have centered around empty soda cups at purchase and long lines at refill stations, which exacerbated long-time congestion issues.
“It got dark” 😈 https://t.co/QdW0KHPP6k
— Utah Athletics (@utahathletics) September 28, 2024
Utah fans will now be provided a full soda cup at initial purchase. That eliminates the primary issue of needing to wait in an additional line to fill up the cup with soda, whether initially or as a refill. Additional soda machines have been installed to help speed up the entire process for fans as well.
Curious to hear how much these changes help the fan experience tonight.
For the top Utah Football storylines, follow Utah insider Steve Bartle or check out his coverage on sports.ksl.com.
