College Sports

Williams, defense leads Utah to 24-0 win over Southern Utah

Posted September 01, 2016 7:00 am

By KAREEM COPELAND

Utah quarterback Troy Williams (3) passes the ball against Southern Utah in the first half during an NCAA college football game Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) The Associated Press

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Troy Williams threw for 272 yards and two touchdowns as Utah opened the season with a 24-0 victory over Southern Utah on Thursday evening.

Fans got their first glimpse of the revamped Utah offense, which included a new full-time starter at quarterback for the first time since 2012. The Utes have new starters at every offensive skill position.

Williams showed why there is optimism throughout the program for the Santa Monica College transfer that originally signed with Washington as one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the country. He put zip on the ball on several out routes and kept his eyes downfield while scrambling. Williams also recognized a mismatch on a 2-yard touchdown pass to Tim Patrick, who used his 6-foot-5 frame to box out 6-0 cornerback Jarmaine Doubs to take a 17-0 lead just before halftime.

The Utah defense smothered its FCS opponent like it was supposed to and held Southern Utah to just 158 offensive yards.

THE TAKEAWAY

SOUTHERN UTAH: The Thunderbirds didn't just roll over despite just not having the athletes to match up with Utah. It was difficult to create much offense against a Utah defense that should be one of the best in the Pac-12. Quarterback McCoy Hill flashed some with his arm and legs despite missing time in the second quarter with an injury.

UTAH: A rout was expected, but there were plenty of nerves in the stands when Utah led just 3-0 late in the second quarter. The run game was nonexistent in the first half and the offensive line was far from dominant for a unit with four returning starters and a junior college All American at left tackle.

UP NEXT

SOUTHERN UTAH: The Thunderbirds now turn their attention to the FCS schedule with Southeast Louisiana traveling to Cedar City, Utah on Sept. 10. The two programs last played in 2014 with the Lions winning 41-14.

UTAH: The Utes host their lone true rival next week - BYU. There were grumbles from both sets of fans when the two programs didn't play in the regular season in 2014 or 2015. The Beehive State football deities corrected that with a 2015 Las Vegas Bowl showdown in which Utah jumped out to a 35-0 first-quarter lead and held on for a 35-28 victory.

Utah wide receiver Raelon Singleton (11) catches a pass as Southern Utah's Jarmaine Doubs (20) defends in the first half during an NCAA college football game Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) The Associated Press

Southern Utah linebacker Mike Needham (34) tackles Utah wide receiver Kyle Fulks (6) in the first half during an NCAA college football game Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) The Associated Press

Southern Utah's Luke Hollingsworth (52) tackles Utah quarterback Troy Williams (3) in the first half during an NCAA college football game Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) The Associated Press

Southern Utah head coach Demario Warren shouts to his team in the first half during an NCAA college football game against Utah Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) The Associated Press

Southern Utah quarterback McCoy Hill (16) sits up after being injured in the first half during an NCAA college football game against Utah Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) The Associated Press

Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham shouts in the first half during an NCAA college football game against Southern Utah Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) The Associated Press

Southern Utah quarterback Tannon Pedersen (10) passes the ball against Utah in the first half during an NCAA college football game Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) The Associated Press

Utah defensive back Justin Thomas (12) tackles Southern Utah running back Malik Brown (4) in the first half during an NCAA college football game Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) The Associated Press

Southern Utah quarterback McCoy Hill (16) passes the ball against Utah in the first half during an NCAA college football game Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) The Associated Press

Article Comments

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.