SALT LAKE CITY — Trailing by 10 points to open up the first half, Utah overcame some early struggles to dominate the visiting Weber State Wildcats 41-10 in the program’s season opener.

Both teams had a hard time moving the ball early in the game. But the Wildcats were able to put together enough of a drive to make a 42-yard field goal for the first points of the game. Weber State then scored on the ensuing drive after Utah quarterback Tyler Huntley threw an interception that was taken back to the 2-yard line.

Weber State quarterback Kaden Jenks scored on a 2-yard rushing touchdown and Utah looked to be in trouble early. But after settling down in the offense, Utah scored 41 unanswered points to give Utah its first victory of the season.

Here are three takeaways from Utah’s first victory of the season:

Stifling defense

Utah’s defensive performance Thursday night is arguably the best since joining the Pac-12. In fact, Utah held the Wildcats to 61 total yards of offense, which ranks the performance the third lowest yard total in program history. The Utes held the Wildcats to just 26 yards of total offense in the first half alone.

Sure, it’s an FCS program, but Weber State has some playmakers that can do damage if given space. Utah, though, didn’t allow the Wildcats any space and smothered their offense all night. The Wildcats only had three first downs, and the Utes defense lived in the backfield, finishing with 11 tackles for loss and three sacks.

The Utes also forced 11 three-and-outs and dialed in Weber State’s run game and measly passing game. Nearly every passed ball was deflected and run stopped near the line of scrimmage. Weber State was fortunate to score twice in the game, but both were essentially gifted to the Wildcats with great field position.

The real test for Utah will come next week against Northern Illinois, but the defense is in a good situation at every position and should make it extremely difficult for any team to pick up gimme yards.

Hot and cold offensive performance

Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham called the first-half offensive performance “awful.” Utah struggled to put together a consistent drive and looked lost for much of the time. In fall camp, returning starter Tyler Huntley looked composed in the pocket and did a good job of facilitating the ball without relying on his own run game.

To his credit, Huntley mostly stayed in the pocket and avoided serious injury, but it was not the type of performance you’d expect from a returning starter with a better grasp of the offense. In the first half, Huntley held onto the ball too long and overthrew a couple receivers that would have been guaranteed touchdowns. He didn’t get any help from his offensive line and receivers who dropped four easy passes.

The offense clicked more in the second half and Huntley ended with a solid stat line. The junior quarterback finished throwing for 253 yards on 24-of-39 (61.5 percent) passing and four touchdowns. He also had one interception in the win.

The offense, however, had several standouts that should make some of the early problems a little more palatable. As if they needed an introduction, but running back Zack Moss and slot receiver Britain Covey continue to be solid options. Moss finished the game early with 150 rushing yards, including an 86-yard rushing touchdown.

Covey was in fine form after returning from his church mission. He continues to show how he’s one of the hardest guys to bring down with his shifty, quick moves. His performance was highlighted on a trick play where Covey was supposed to throw the ball to an open receiver (who wasn’t there). He scrambled behind the line of scrimmage and broke free for a 38-yard pickup. Covey finished with 64 rushing yards and 53 receiving yards.

Receivers are still questionable

Coming into the season, there were doubts the receiver corps could take a step forward from Utah’s improved effort last season. However, in fall camp, the group looked to be answering the call and were showing signs of promise. It’s still early, but there were some obvious positives and negatives with this group.

Covey is an obvious positive for all the reasons mentioned above and more. Siaosi Mariner looks to be a solid option in the receiving game. Mariner was targeted eight times and made six catches for 73 yards and one touchdown. He’s living up to his role as the go-to receiver on the outside.

Add to that several younger receivers, including tight ends Jake Jackson and Cole Fotheringham and freshman receiver Solomon Enis. The fact Utah had two touchdowns by tight ends is a sign of good things to come. For years, Utah has been looking for a tight end playmaker. It looks like they have at least two on their hands that can be options in the receiving game.

Enis, too, showed some promise in his game. He finished with 34 yards on two catches and made the most of the minutes he was in the game. Whittingham said after the game that he’s really high on Enis. Following his performance Thursday, it’s likely we’ll see more of him in the rotation.

One of the most disappointing efforts from the receivers came from junior Demari Simpkins. He was targeted six times and only came down with the ball twice. He’s a talented receiver with a lot of upside, but he’s got to catch the ball if Utah wants to take a step forward in the receiving game.

Simpkins was one of the most consistent receivers in fall camp and was noticeably better. But it means nothing if he can’t replicate that in a game setting. If Simpkins wants to back up his claim that he’s one of the best receivers in the country, he’s going to need to bounce back with a better effort. Samson Nacua is in a similar spot. Drops got the best of Nacua against Weber State, too.

Noticeably absent in the receiving game was Bronson Boyd, Bryan Thompson and Jameson Field. Each was pegged as guys that could fill a solid roll in the receiver rotation, but all failed to have an impact in the game. Whether that means guys like Enis jump them in the rotation remains to be seen, but Utah needs more overall production from this group.

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