Utes Beat Weber in Utah's 150th Game At Rice-Eccles Stadium

by PJ
(Salt Lake City)

In the 150th game at Rice-Eccles Stadium with its 78th consecutive full-house, the #12 University of Utah Utes beat Weber State 31-7 sealing a perfect 3-0 start in non-conference play.

Although not overly impressive looking at the numbers against an FCS team, the Utes had as many as 16 players out due to injury including up to 8 starters. They held Weber to a mere 127 yards of offense while putting up 424 yards of their own.

This is the first time since September 10, 2022 against Southern Utah that the Utes have limited an opponent to under 130 yards. Another stellar defensive performance.

In his first career start, freshman quarterback Nate Johnson passed for a career-high 193 yards on 13-of-21 passing with one touchdown. He also added a career-best 16 rushes for 71 yards and a TD on the ground.

It was a sunny and hot afternoon for football. I heard a young lady behind us say to her friends after the game, “Why do we play afternoon games during the heat of the day early in the season and night games later on when it is freezing?

And that is the question we now ask every year even though we know the answer. TV. It used to be the reverse but, of course, TV dictates everything due to the detriment of the fans.

Still, it was a fun day and a semi-relaxed environment due to the expected outcome.