Cam Rising had a remarkable return with a career-best five touchdown passes, three of which were to Brant Kuithe, leading No. 12 Utah to a 49-0 victory over Southern Utah on Thursday night. Rising, a senior quarterback, displayed an impressive performance in his first game back since an injury in January 2023, completing 10 of 15 passes for 254 yards and adding 25 rushing yards before exiting the game in the second quarter with the Utes up 35-0. Kuithe, who missed last season, caught three touchdown passes in the second quarter, setting a Big 12 record as the first tight end to score three touchdowns in a half.

The game saw the Utes amass 513 total yards of offense in their debut as Big 12 Conference members and extend their winning streak against FCS opponents to 15 games. Rising’s five passing touchdowns in a half marked a significant achievement for Utah’s offense, with the team exceeding 500 yards of offense for the first time since 2023. Dijon Stanley also proved to be a key player, contributing 150 receiving yards and a touchdown, showcasing his versatility and playmaking ability.

The dominating performance by Utah highlighted their strength on both offense and defense, with Van Fillinger recording two sacks and Elijah Davis securing an interception. Head coach Kyle Whittingham expressed optimism about the team’s potential and praised the players for their performances. Southern Utah, on the other hand, faced challenges against Utah’s formidable lineup, struggling to contain their opponents’ offensive prowess and falling short on defense.

Looking ahead, Utah’s upcoming game against Baylor promises to be a significant matchup, providing another opportunity for the team to showcase their talent and solidify their position. With the potential for upsets in the Top 10, Utah could see a rise in the polls following their dominant victory. Southern Utah will aim to bounce back in their next game against UTEP, seeking improvements after a tough outing against Utah.