close
close

Tao Johnson tackles Noah Fifita to give Utah late spark

SALT LAKE CITY – On the first play of the fourth quarter, Utah football safety Tao Johnson intercepted Arizona to give the Utes some much-needed momentum.

Entering the final quarter, Utah found itself trailing by a massive 16-3 behind a sputtering offense.

Arizona's secondary was actually the biggest storyline in Rice-Eccles on Saturday with what felt like dozens of pass breakups. But Utah was able to score at a crucial moment in the fourth.

And Johnson's first career interception was the perfect morale boost for the Utes.

After gaining just 46 yards in the entire third quarter, Utah engineered a six-play, 80-yard drive that ended with the game's first touchdown.

RELATED: Turnover sets up Isaac Wilson and Caleb Lohner connection for Utah's first touchdown

Johnson also led the defense with seven tackles (five solo) in the first three quarters.

The Utes seemed poised for a comeback in the fourth quarter, and everything was set in motion by the pick.

Three thoughts on game day from Utes insider Steve Bartle

1st night game at Rice-Eccles Stadium

Utah has really embraced the dark mode theme this season. As they should. There is something truly extraordinary about Rice-Eccles at night.

“I don’t know (what it is), but there’s something magical about Rice-Eccles and night games,” head coach Kyle Whittingham said at the press conference last week.

The atmosphere in the stadium should be quite electric tonight. It's been a while since the Utes' last evening home game; there wasn't one last season.

RELATED: Utah Football vs. Arizona Fan Guide: TV info, what to wear, top storylines

Utah is also coming off a significant road win at Oklahoma State, an ideal scenario for homecoming week. This weekend saw the retro uniforms, which are now also all black and fit the dark mode theme.

The anticipation for this game is definitely high, defensive tackle Junior Tafuna summed it up best earlier this week.

“Rice-Eccles is always louder after dark,” he said. “Rice-Eccles is going to be banging, it’s going to be loud and I’m excited, we’re all excited.”

2. A chance to go 5-0 with all the context surrounding the start of the season

Utah football has a chance to do something significant in the Big 12 Conference this weekend.

But first, consider that Utah has seen its star quarterback play in four quarters this season.

Additionally, they lost their No. 2 cornerback in the first series of the season. Then their veteran defensive leader and top pass rusher each missed the last two games.

Still, Utah has a chance to improve to 5-0 tonight and solidify its position atop the Big 12. Something many only thought was possible if Cam Rising was healthy, not to mention Kenan Johnson, Karene Reid and Connor O'Toole.

Regardless of what happens tonight, Utah is positioned well with its best ball in front of them.

3. I'm curious about the new concession process

The fan experience is an important dynamic at football games. In the last two home games the experience was anything but ideal.

Due to significant congestion issues, Utah Athletics and Rice-Eccles Stadium have modified the process surrounding their concessions.

These problems centered around empty soda cups upon purchase and long lines at gas stations, exacerbating long-standing congestion.

Utah fans now receive a full cup of soda with their first purchase. This eliminates the main problem of having to wait in an additional line to fill the cup with lemonade initially or as a refill. In order to speed up the entire process for the fans, additional drinks machines were installed.

I'm excited to see how much these changes help the fan experience tonight.

For the top Utah Football storylines, follow Utah Insider Steve Bartle or check out his coverage on KSLSports.com.

Chandler Holt is co-host of the Jazz Notes Podcasta Locals In The NFL Insider and Digital Sports Producer for KSLSports.com. Follow Chandler on X for Utah Jazz and Locals In The NFL updates.

Take us with you wherever you go.

Download the new and improved KSL Sports app from Utah's sports leader. You can stream live radio and videos and stay up to date with all your favorite teams.

You may also like...