Wilson, offense shine in season opener against Michigan


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SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Utes proved to be the better team Thursday night, beating out the Michigan Wolverines 24-17 at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

Although the game score was relatively close, Utah controlled much of the game and kept the Wolverines from threatening to take over Utah's lead. The following are some takeaways from Utah's first game of the season.

Travis Wilson improved in senior debut

One of the biggest questions coming into the season was how well the offense could perform without giving the ball to Devontae Booker every down. And Travis Wilson answered the call well Thursday night.

Wilson looked like a senior quarterback and was composed in the pocket, accurate with his throws and made plays when opportunities were available to him. Wilson ended the game throwing 24-of-33 for 208 yards and added 53 rushing yards, including a 14-yard touchdown.

Last season Wilson appeared hesitant and not comfortable in the scheme then-offensive coordinator Dave Christensen dialed up for him. But this year, Wilson looks as though he's fitting in well to the Aaron Roderick-Jim Harding offense and found a way to distribute the ball to eight different player — a far greater number than last season.

If Utah can continue to get the production it did out of Wilson Thursday night, while improving his game as well as the offense as a whole, Utah will be in a much better position than they were last season.

Utah Utes players celebrate their 24-17 win after the Utah Utes and Michigan Wolverines football game at the Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2015. (Photo: Stacie Scott/Deseret News)
Utah Utes players celebrate their 24-17 win after the Utah Utes and Michigan Wolverines football game at the Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2015. (Photo: Stacie Scott/Deseret News)

The secondary unit is still learning, but they make big plays

Also another question coming into the season, the cornerbacks fared well in their first start of the season. Nickel back Justin Thomas had the play of the game, picking off Michigan quarterback Jake Rudock for a 55-yard touchdown late in the game to give Utah a 14-point lead. Thomas was one of three players that picked off Rudock, including Cory Butler-Byrd and Marcus Williams.

While the interceptions and the overall play of the secondary was above average, there's still some work to do before there is confidence in this group. Can they make plays on the ball? Yes. But coverage still seems to be an area of work for this group and is lacking. There were several instances Thursday where Michigan receivers were wide open with at least a 5-yard buffer to the nearest corner. Fortunately for Utah, Rudock couldn't capitalize on the lapse in coverage and overthrew each of his receivers.

There's a lot to be optimistic about this group, especially their ability to get to the ball, but it's going to take some time before they're really ready. However, their next two games should be a perfect opportunity to fine tune their skills before starting on the Pac-12 gauntlet in week four.

Britain Covey does not play like a true freshman

Yes, he's not the tallest receiver on Utah, but there's no denying his ability on the field. Next to Booker, Covey led the team in reception yards (58 yards) and nearly had his first touchdown. While his numbers were not off the chart, Covey proved he has the ability to make plays for Utah.

It could be a special year with the tandem of Wilson and Covey. But one game does not define a player, especially a young player in the program. But Covey seems to be moving in the right direction and should continue to be a playmaker for Utah.

Off night for Andy Phillips

In a weird twist, the special teams unit for Utah struggled the most Thursday, especially placekicker Andy Phillips. Utah fans have come to rely on Phillips over the last few years and have been led to believe that 45-yard field goal attempts are just easy. But they're not and they don't always go in — it happens. While it's not time to worry about Phillips, it's a rough night for a guy that prides himself on perfection in the kicking game, no matter how far the distance.

On the bright side, Phillips will likely be even more dedicated to making sure his kicks go in. Also, Tom Hackett can crush the ball. Hackett kicked a 74-yard punt — a career best — that went for well more than that but it was beyond the end zone. The punt didn't necessarily help Utah in the field position battle, but it's comforting for Utah to know that Hackett would be fine to punt it goal line to goal line — let's see it happen, even if just in practice.

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Josh Furlong

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