No. 10 Utah took a big first step in its new conference last week and will try to keep moving forward against one of its old Pac-12 rivals when it plays Arizona on Saturday in Salt Lake City.
The Utes (4-0, 1-0 Big 12) posted a statement victory last weekend, winning 22-19 at then-No. 14 Oklahoma State, even with backup freshman quarterback Isaac Wilson stepping in for the injured Cam Rising.
Mostly, though, it was the same ol’ Utes, as they showed the physical identity that was the hallmark of their success in the Pac-12. Running back Micah Bernard rushed 25 times for a career-best 182 yards, and Utah dominated the line of scrimmage, outrushing the Cowboys 249-48.
“I think we were the more physical team,” Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said. “I think the rushing statistics are indicative of that and paint that picture. That was our kind of game.”
That could be trouble for Arizona (2-1, 0-0), which was off last week after losing a nonconference game at Kansas State on Sept. 13, a defeat that knocked the then-No. 20 Wildcats out of the AP rankings. Arizona lost the battle of the line of scrimmage in that game, giving up 235 rushing yards and gaining only 56.
Although Arizona is now in the same conference as Kansas State, the programs kept their previously scheduled nonconference series when Arizona joined the Big 12. That makes this Saturday Arizona’s first game to count in the Big 12 standings.
First-year Wildcats coach Brent Brennan arguably has the top receiver in the nation in Tetairoa McMillan (23 catches, 453 yards, four touchdowns), but the offense hasn’t clicked in the past two games. Arizona scored a combined 29 points against FCS foe Northern Arizona and Kansas State.
Brennan said the early bye week was valuable in allowing his staff to re-evaluate play calls, personnel and tendencies heading into the team’s first official Big 12 matchup.
“Extremely well-coached team,” Brennan said of Utah.
“They’ve been winning lots of games every year for a very long time. They’re 20 years into their program build. They know exactly what they’re recruiting to, exactly what works there. They’re always one of the most physical football teams you play every year. High level of execution. Always really, really impressed with the football team.”
As for who plays quarterback for Utah this week, Whittingham wasn’t giving any updates on Monday. He added that Rising, who is dealing with a finger injury, was a “right-before-kickoff decision” last Saturday.
Wilson completed 17 of 29 passes for 207 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions against Oklahoma State. He also ripped off a 48-yard run.
“Everything,” Whittingham said when asked about what he liked about Wilson’s performance.
“His confidence, his command of the offense. He’s got the ‘it’ factor for a quarterback. That’s so critical. You’ve got to have the guy that has that ‘it’ factor, that leadership, and the players really sense it. They love playing for him.”
As is usually the case, Utah targeted a standout tight end last week. Brant Kuithe caught four passes for 74 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for a 1-yard score.
These programs met as ranked teams last season, when the No. 19 Wildcats pounced on the No. 16 Utes 42-18 in Tucson, Ariz. That result included a 51-yard touchdown pass to McMillan from a backup quarterback with 32 seconds left.
Utah has won 33 of its past 35 home games.
