Utes jump on the Wildcats early and never drop during the 42-10 win

SALT LAKE CITY – Before heading to the field Friday night at Rice-Eccles Stadium, Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said the offense was developing some self-confidence and established an identity after five games. His remarks earlier in the week included the belief that there were things from which to build, not only in terms of production, but also in terms of energy, juice and passion.

Whittingham said maintaining this state of mind was "going to be a big effort this week".

Utah's quarterback, Tyler Huntley, said the Utes just trusted his plan.

"We have done well and that is what is happening," he said.

The Utes reacted the same way by circulating Arizona early in the day and often en route to a 42-10 win over the Wildcats. They scored touchdowns on four of their first five possessions in the first two quarters to quickly take control of the game.

Arizona, meanwhile, was forced to shuffle, tossed and shuffled, then returned the ball with a defeat in the downs, in the decisive stretch.

"In the first half, we did a great job moving the ball, putting the ball in the end zone," Whittingham said. "The execution was exceptional."

Utah's opening offense was marked by 15 games and an average of 75 yards. The march ended with an 8-yard touchdown pass from Huntley to Samson Nacua, giving the Utes their first pitch in the red zone since the inaugural game of the August 30 season against Weber State .

Five minutes later exactly, while he was 2:47 in the first quarter, Utah doubled his lead. Zack Moss scored a 69-meter run in eight games. The Utes took more than 10 and a half minutes behind, while the offense was 14-0.

The next possession of Utah has ended with a punt. However, the offensive has come back on the track next time. The Utes ran only three games this time. Huntley and Demari Simpkins scored a 68-yard goal with another PAT from Matt Gay, who made it 21-0 early in the second quarter.

After leading Arizona into a defeat, Utah made another trip to the goal line. Huntley scored another touchdown at 1:56 of the half. They led 28-0 at the break after the Wildcats missed a 34-yard field goal in the final seconds.

Utah totaled 295 yards in the first half. Huntley completed 11 of 14 passes for a total of 189 yards and two touchdowns in the first half, extending the effectiveness of the junior team in last week's 40-21 win at Stanford when he was 17. passes on 21.

Huntley showed his skills as a receiver when the game resumed. Britain Covey captured a 58-yard touchdown pass in the second game of the third quarter. The score was reversed after Huntley handed the ball to Moss, who then gave it to Covey.

"We talked a lot about fast start and physical start," Covey said. "And I think we really found an identity as a team and it's obvious to see."

Gay followed the dazzling razz-dazzle score with the added goal as the Utes increased their lead to 35-0. A little less than four minutes later, Arizona scored its first points when Josh Pollack scored on a 37-yard field goal.

The Wildcats player continued his momentum when linebacker Colin Schooler intercepted Huntley on the ensuing possession and returned the 33-yard Utah pick.

Arizona, however, failed to take advantage of the take-away – despite the fact that he made it to the 5-yard line. The Utah defense forced quarterback Rhett Rodriguez to give up a double to defeat the threat. Rodriguez, a sophomore and freshman, Jamarye Joiner has replaced the much-loved coach, Khalil Tate, limited to three meters and three in the race after aggravating an ankle injury.

Rodriguez, the son of former Arizona head coach Rich Rodriguez, qualified in the fourth quarter at 13:23, meeting Cedric Peterson on a 42-yard pass.

Leading 35-10, Utah has never contested the rest of the way. For good measure, the Utes added a 22-yard touchdown by Armand Shyne at 6:14 of the end. He followed Mitch Wishnowsky's 28-yard win on a false punt and a horse collar penalty at the end of the match.

Huntley dominated the Utah offense with 201 yards and 64 rushing yards, while scoring a touchdown pass and adding scores as a runner and receiver. Moss (68 yards rushing), Covey (six receptions) and Simpkins (68 yards rushing). The defense was led by linebacker Chase Hansen and defensive lineman Maxs Tupai, who each scored nine tackles.

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"It was a great team win," said Whittingham. "It was like last week where all three phases contributed."

The Utes, who have now won two consecutive games, improved to 4-2 overall and 2-2 in Pac-12 with the win. They return to action on Saturday, October 20 at home against USC.

"A big challenge awaits us next week, we have Trojans coming to town," said Whittingham. "We're back on the wall every week from now, we know it, we knew it this week, we knew it last week, so nothing new there."