No. 17 Utah secured a 33-0 shutout victory against Utah State at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City. The win moves the Utes to a 3-0 record as they prepare to enter conference play.
Utah head coach Morgan Scalley noted the team's defensive success in holding Utah State to zero points and preventing them from scoring in the red zone, where the Aggies went 0-for-2. Individual defensive performances included Trey Reynolds, who recorded double-digit tackles, and Rabbit Evans, who recorded his first career interception. Defensive lineman Cyrus Polu also recorded a sack during the game.
Offensively, Braden Pegan recorded significant plays against his former team, while Daniel Bray accumulated 101 all-purpose yards. Kicker Dillon Curtis contributed a 54-yard field goal, a 36-yard field goal, and successful PATs to the scoreboard.
Utah State head coach Bronco Mendenhall expressed concern regarding a significant injury to Harrison Taggart, noting the player was carried off the field on a spine board. Mendenhall described Taggart as the heartbeat of the program and an emotional leader.
Utah State safety Chapman Lewis, who returned to the field following a knee injury, expressed gratitude for being able to play. Mendenhall also noted that the Aggies' running game is still struggling to find its footing.
The game was played before a sellout crowd of 51,455 fans at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Utah quarterback Devon Dampier stated that the game is beginning to slow down mentally for him, allowing for better decision-making.
Following this victory, Utah will travel to face Iowa State as conference play begins.
