After a long BYE week the No. 15 University of Utah football team returns to action this week as they head to Corvallis to take on Oregon State. This is the second north matchup that the Utes have faced this season. It is the first time since 2016 that the two teams will face off. In the last meeting the Utes prevailed 19-14.
Scouting the Utes
Before going on BYE, the Utes manhandled Washington State 38-13. The Utes held the Cougs to the lowest points they have scored all season and the Utah defense shutdown the usually electric WSU offense.
Both Tyler Huntley and Francis Bernard were named to conference weekly honors for their performance in the win.
Huntley threw for 334 yards and two touchdowns in the victory. He was 21 of 30 on his passing attempts. Not only was he productive with his arm, but he was the same with his feet. He rushed for another two touchdowns during the game.
University of Utah senior quarterback Tyler Huntley (1) eyeing downfield for an open receiver in an NCAA Football game vs. Washington State University at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, UT on Saturday September 28, 2019.(Photo by Curtis Lin | Daily Utah Chronicle)
Bernard was nothing but a force to be reckoned with in the win. For the second time this season, he racked up double digit tackles. He lead the team in that category to the win. He also had his second interception of the season, and while this one didn’t go back for a touchdown, it lead to the final Utah touchdown of the game.
Jaylon Johnson got his first interception of the season in the win as well. It is the 6th of his career.
Back on the other side of the ball, the Utah offense was firing on all cylinders — the team had three pass plays of 40 yards or more. Huntley connected with Bryan Thompson on a 54-yard pass. Samson Nacua had his biggest game of the season when he caught a 52-yard pass that resulted in his first touchdown of the season. In the final pass play Huntley hit Solomon Enis on a 41-yard pass.
The Utah rush game also had a strong showing. Devonta’e Henry-Cole had an 11-yard touchdown reception as well as 79 rushing yards on 15 carries.
University of Utah junior running back Devonta’e Henry-Cole (7) celebrates a touchdown with University of Utah junior wide receiver Samson Nacua (45) in an NCAA Football game vs. Washington State University at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, UT on Saturday September 28, 2019.(Photo by Curtis Lin | Daily Utah Chronicle)
Derrick Vickers scored his first touchdown as a Ute on a seven-yard rush.
Jadon Redding was one for two on his field goal attempts but was perfect on his PATs.
Rushing Record Watch
Senior running back Zack Moss did not play in the Wazzu game but is expected to be back for this week’s game. He still holds second place in total career rushing yards with 3,044-yards. He only needs 176 yards to break the record held by Eddie Johnson.
Scouting the Beavers
Oregon State is coming off a victory against UCLA, 48-31. The victory marks the Beavers’ first win in conference this season.
Quarterback Jake Luton went 18-26 for 285 yards in the victory. His favorite target was Isaiah Hodgins, who had 123 receiving yards and accounted for three of the five Beaver catching touchdowns on the night. Both Tyjon Lindsey and Teagan Quitoriano accounted for the other two touchdowns.
The Beavers rush game was lead by Artavis Pierce who rushed for 119 yards and one touchdown. Luton rushed for the other Beaver touchdown.
Shemar Smith lead the team in total tackles with 12.
How to Watch
Kick off is set for 6 p.m. MT and will air on the Pac-12 Networks. On the TV call will be Roxy Bernstein, Anthony Herron and Jill Savage. Fans can also listen to the game on the Home of the Utes, ESPN 700, with Bill Riley, Scott Mitchell and Tom Hackett on the call.
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