Utah’s quarterback Alex Smith throws the ball over the outstretched hand of Texas A&M’s Bryce Reed on Friday Sept. 2, 2004. As Utah prepares to play Florida within the Swamp, it will likely be the ninth time since 2000 that the Utes have opened up the season in opposition to a Energy 5 opponent. Scott G Winterton, Deseret Information
As Utah prepares to play Florida within the Swamp, it will likely be the ninth time since 2000 that the Utes have opened up the season in opposition to a Energy 5 opponent.
Right here’s a glance again at how the Utes fared within the different eight openers in opposition to Energy 5 opponents.
2000: Arizona 17, Utah 3
Beneath head coach Ron McBride, the Utes hosted Arizona at Rice-Eccles Stadium to open the season. The Utes outgained the Wildcats 370 yards to 146, however Utah dedicated 5 turnovers and failed to attain a landing.
T.D. Croshaw and Darnell Arceneaux break up passing duties for the Utes, going a mixed 21-for-51 for 310 yards and two interceptions, whereas the Utes solely gained 60 speeding yards.
2004: Utah 41, Texas A&M 21
Utah, ranked No. 20 in The Related Press ballot to begin the season, opened up its undefeated 2004 season with a win over Texas A&M, then within the Massive 12, in Salt Lake Metropolis.
Quarterback Alex Smith threw for 359 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 2 extra. His favourite targets had been Steve Savoy and Paris Warren, who had over 100 yards receiving every.
Utah had 582 yards of offense and scored its first landing only one minute into the sport.
2005: Utah 27, Arizona 24
Utah broke open a 10-10 sport within the third quarter to safe a three-point win over Arizona to begin the 2005 season.
A 59-yard landing run by quarterback Brent Casteel, a area aim by Dan Beardall and a 24-yard interception return for a landing by Eric Weddle elevated Utah’s result in 27-10.
Arizona scored twice to chop the hole to a few, however Utah held on for the season-opening win.
2006: UCLA 31, Utah 10
Utah opened the season within the Rose Bowl and was beat by UCLA.
The Utes trailed by 4 at halftime, however the Bruins rattled off 17 consecutive factors to win going away.
Utah turned the ball over 3 times and was outgained by the Bruins 425-287.
UCLA quarterback Ben Olson threw for 318 yards and three touchdowns.
2007: Oregon State 24, Utah 7
The Utes couldn’t discover the top zone in a loss to Oregon State in Corvallis.
Utah’s lone rating got here on a landing go from Brian Johnson to Brent Casteel within the third quarter. After that, it was all Beavers.
Oregon State outgained Utah 370-196. Beaver working again Yvenson Bernard had 165 yards and two touchdowns.
Johnson and working again Matt Asiata had been injured within the sport.
2008: Utah 25, Michigan 23
Utah began its undefeated 2008 season with a win on the Massive Home.
The Utes scored 5 consecutive instances in a span from the second and third quarters, on a Brian Johnson go to Bradon Godfrey and 4 Louie Sakoda area objectives, to steer 25-10 heading into the fourth quarter.
Michigan made it shut, scoring on consecutive drives to chop the rating to 25-23.
Utah’s protection held sturdy on Michigan’s last two drives, forcing a punt and turnover on downs to carry on for win No. 1 of 13.
Johnson was 21 for 22 for 305 yards, a landing and an interception. Matt Asiata ran for 77 yards and Sean Smith had an interception.
2010: Utah 27, Pittsburgh 24
Utah prevailed in a memorable residence opener that went into extra time.
With the Utes up by three factors, Pittsburgh kicker Dan Hutchins’ area aim try with time expiring from 30 yards out was good, however Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham known as a timeout first.
On the second try, Hutchins missed, however Whittingham had known as a timeout.
The third time was the allure for Hutchins, whose area aim compelled extra time.
In extra time, Brian Bletchen intercepted Tino Sunseri’s go and Joe Phillips made a 21-yard area aim to provide the Utes the win.
Jordan Wynn threw for 283 yards and three touchdowns and Devonte Christopher rushed for 155 yards and a landing.
2015: Utah 24, Michigan 17
Utah put a damper on Jim Harbaugh’s first sport as Michigan head coach.
Travis Wilson threw for 210 yards and rushed for a landing, whereas Devonte Booker rushed for 69 yards and a rating.
Utah led 17-3 after Wilson’s landing run within the third quarter. Jake Butt’s 19-yard landing reception on the finish of the interval lower the result in seven, however Justin Thomas picked off Wolverines quarterback Jake Rudock and took it 55 yards to the home.
The Utes held on, solely permitting one landing with 54 second left to carry on for the win.
Utah’s protection compelled Rudock to throw three interceptions.