After two tough tests to open the season, Kyle Whittingham’s Utes hope to have a more relaxing time this weekend.
The No. 12 Utes will be heavy favorites over Weber State at Rice-Eccles Stadium, which should mean a chance to experiment a little, get a look at some new faces and schematics, and maybe even allow a star or two to knock off some rust.
Here’s everything you need to know about Saturday’s game.
How to watch No. 12 Utah vs. Weber State
Kickoff: Noon
TV: Pac-12 Network
Radio: ESPN 700
Weather: Sunny, high of 85
Keys to the game
1. Stop the run
The Wildcats like to run the ball. Weber State’s Damon Bankston is second in the FCS in rushing, averaging 131.5 yards per game.
“I think we’re feeling out offensively who we are again,” Weber State coach Mickey Mental said this week. “Obviously, you’ll get that with new receivers and a new quarterback, just figuring out what they do well and try to implement that into the game plan.”
The Utes are allowing just 67 yards per game so far this season.
2. Get and/or stay healthy
(Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes quarterback Cameron Rising (7) as the Utah Utes host the Florida Gators, NCAA football in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023.
Utah quarterback Cam Rising could make his season debut this week, Whittingham said, but is still considered day to day. Defensive end Connor O’Toole is expected to return to the lineup “in the next week or two.” And linebacker Karene Reid was held out of action in last week’s win at Baylor.
“Unfortunately we’ve been missing guys, but so is everybody in the country to a certain extent,” Whittingham said Monday. “We seem to have more than our fair share (of injuries), but nobody cares; in fact people are glad you’re beat up, especially your opponents. You just have to have the next man up mentality, and that was the case.”
3. Rest and Reps
A game against an FCS opponent would be a nice way for Rising to knock off some rust before the Utes begin Pac-12 play. But if he can’t go, Weber State will be another opportunity for backup Nate Johnson to sharpen his skills.
The redshirt freshman has been moved up on the depth chart after leading the Utes’ rally in Waco.
(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes quarterback Nate Johnson (13) celebrates after scoring a touchdown in game action between the Utah Utes and the Florida Gators, at Rice-Eccles Stadium, on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023.
Johnson has earned his opportunity, but he’ll need to become a more consistent passing threat if the Utes need to lean on him more this season.
“More and more,” Whittingham said of trusting Johnson’s ability to throw. “He’s still a work in progress in that regard, and there will still be some growing pains in that regard. But he has really improved leaps and bounds over the course of the last year.”
Running back Chris Curry could also use this weekend as a chance to get his season on track. The Utes have been bringing him along slowly after being injured last season. But Micah Bernard’s season-ending injury means Curry will be needed sooner rather than later.
“The quicker he comes along and the sooner he’s ready to go and contribute the better,” Whittingham said. “Maybe it will be this week.”
Headlines
• What worked in the win over Baylor? And what did not?
• Cam Rising could return this week.
• But either way, the Utes will have a new starting QB.
• The Utes are still learning from their “smartest, dumbest” decisions last weekend in Waco.
Going to the game?
(Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune) The Moment of Loudness as the Utah Utes host the Florida Gators, NCAA football in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023.
The Arrival: The Utes are trying to create a new game day tradition this season. Fans can welcome the team as players get off the bus. Fans are asked to gather outside Gate L on 500 South.
Digital tickets: The U. recommends downloading tickets and parking passes to your mobile wallets.
Stadium gates: You can enter Rice-Eccles 90 minutes before kickoff.
Bag policy: Only clear bags (up to 12 inches by 18 inches) will be allowed inside.
Water bottles: One factory-sealed water bottle (1 liter or less) will be allowed per person. Water cannot be frozen. Personal water bottles (1 liter or less) will be allowed so long as they are empty. Glass water bottles are not allowed.
