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SALT LAKE CITY — Unlike last season, the Utah football team’s opening game focused on the team itself and not the opponent.
Sure, it could be because the Utes (1-0) came into Thursday game 37-0 against Big Sky teams and in-state rival Southern Utah (0-1) isn’t seen as much of a threat. But it’s mostly due to the team having several roster changes thanks to graduation. Thursday night brought a new era to the program as a new starting quarterback came on the field to lead Utah for the first time in four years.
The debut of quarterback Troy Williams went over well with the 45,945 fans at Rice-Eccles. The junior finished 20-for-35 with 272 yards and two touchdowns.
I love Troy Williams. — Nick Park (@sput_nick) September 2, 2016
> THAT THROWING MOTION 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍 > > — need more Barles (@UtesAvsfan) [September 2, 2016](https://twitter.com/UtesAvsfan/status/771519697447624704)
In the first series of the game, Williams led the Utes to cover 67 yards on nine plays. Williams showed off his arm with a 52-yard pass to Raelon Singleton. The connection enamored fans, showing the potential for the Utes.
That was an awesome pass and catch!!! #SUUvsUTAH — ☘ Sinnie (@JazDodgerUteGal) September 2, 2016
After a first quarter that included 107 passing yards and just 14 rushing, Utah’s defense turned on. Defensive back Marcus Williams came up with an interception at the Utes’ 47-yard line. Should we watch it again? Yes, let’s do.
Marcus Williams is everywhere! That's his seventh career INT! #goutes#SUUvsUTAHhttps://t.co/y51LGWwYH3 — Utah Athletics (@utahathletics) September 2, 2016
> Yep Marcus Williams is a top 5 player in this state. > > — SouthJordanUte (@SouthJordanUte) [September 2, 2016](https://twitter.com/SouthJordanUte/status/771515251636379648)
The turnover ignited the team and set it up to score the game’s first touchdown. Running back Troy McCormick rushed in the end zone for 4 yards to put the Utes up 10-0. He finished the night as the team’s leading rusher with 56 yards on 12 carries and one score. McCormick also dialed in as Utah’s second-best receiver with three catches for 55 yards, his longest for 33.
Tim Patrick looked as good as advertised. Troy McCormick looks stellar. — Overlooking BYU (@BradenShamo) September 2, 2016
> How great does Mccormick look!? So good to see him back out there. > > — Steve Bartle (@SBartleScout) [September 2, 2016](https://twitter.com/SBartleScout/status/771517430568931329)
The Utes’ next drive included a 35-yard punt return from junior Boobie Hobbs that set up a Tim Patrick touchdown, putting the team up 17-0 at the end of the first half.
Troy to Patrick.... Get used to it#ThrowGame — #NoWorries#ThrowGame (@UofUUtes) September 2, 2016
Patrick became a standout on the field, pulling in his single-game career-high of 105 yards and two touchdowns on five catches. He came down with the longest pass of the night (57 yards), which marked his second score of the night, resulting in the final score — 24-0.
And while the revamped offense was a crowd pleaser, the defense truly dominated as it shut out the Thunderbirds.
Final thoughts: 1) Defense OWNED. Marcus is solid. 2) No injuries. 3) Troy is poised, WRs are big/fast. I'd hate to be Utah's next opponent. — Andrew Fox (@FoxOnABox_) September 2, 2016
Up next for Utah is the ever-so-salty rivalry game versus BYU, which will be played at Rice-Eccles Saturday, Sept. 10, at 5:30 p.m. MDT.
The best thing about being 1-0 is the chance to go 6-0... #BeatBYU — I am a Utah Man, Sir (@UtahMan1850) September 2, 2016
> Doesn't matter how Utah plays in this game. You know next week they'll play outta their minds. > > — Derik Stevenson (@derikstevenson) [September 2, 2016](https://twitter.com/derikstevenson/status/771526053751762944)
