The Hive Sports

by Joe Oliver

The number 12 ranked University of Utah football team hosted Southern Utah University at Rice-Eccles Stadium. This home opener kicked off the first year that Utah is an official member of the Big XII Conference. The Utes are expected to win the Big XII title this year and they have hopes of a national championship title as well.

After missing all of 2023 for medical reasons, starting at the QB position was Cam Rising. He passed up potential NFL glory last November when he committed to return to Utah to play his final year of eligibility. He did not disappoint either. He was 10 for 15 on passing with 5 touchdowns on 234 yards. He even pitched in with 25 rushing yards on 4 carries. 

Cam took to the sidelines during the third quarter as freshman Isaac Wilson made his debut. His NFL Denver Broncos QB brother, Zac Wilson, was in the crowd to cheer him on. Isaac’s first pass attempt was an interception. In the following possession, he threw an incomplete pass and then a second INT. His nerves calmed in the 4th quarter as he gained momentum with 21 yards rushing on 5 carries. He connected with Caleb Lohner for a passing TD. He ended up with 74 total yards passing on 7 of 11 completions. 

Utah also finished with 185 total rushing yards. Although not a poor performance, given the tough opponents they’ll face this season in the Big XII, that type of rushing offense where their lead rusher, Dijon Stanley, had a meager 34 yards is not sustainable. Overall, the Utes learned their true readiness. 

Two players for Utah, cornerback Kenan Johnson and defensive tackle Aliki Vimahi, left the game with serious injuries. Coach Kyle Wittingham reported that it didn’t look too good. They will both undergo scans to determine the severity of their injuries. However, the defense held strong. Keanu Tanuvasa was pass rushing on what seemed like most plays. 

Former Ute QB Alex Smith (2002-2004) was honored at halftime with his name permanently etched into the stadium. He is being inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame later this year. The Utes put his name up as the first in what they are calling their “Ring of Honor.”

Southern Utah may have lost the game in extreme fashion, 45-0. However, as an institution, they definitely benefited as they were paid $600,000 cash by the Utes to play. That is a significant investment to both the players and the institution from Cedar City.

Featured image courtesy Joe Oliver