Wildcats fall 40-17 to #24 Utah in season opener

SALT LAKE CITY - Weber State returned to fall football for the first time in two years and had the lead early against the nationally ranked Utah Utes. But the 'Cats had to handle a long weather delay and the 24th ranked Utes as Utah defeated Weber State 40-17 Thursday night at the newly renovated Rice-Eccles Stadium.

How it happened
After an opening field goal by the Utes, senior Rashid Shaheed made history with a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown that gave the Wildcats a 7-3 lead. It was Shaheed's sixth career kickoff return for a touchdown, which is a new Big Sky record and ties the FCS career record.

Right after the touchdown, the teams were sent to the locker room for a lightning delay that lasted an hour and a half.

When play resumed at 7:18, Utah scored on two quick scoring drives and held a 13-7 lead after the first quarter.

After an interception, Utah added another touchdown and held a 19-7 lead at halftime.

After a fumble forced by Kalisi Moli and recovered by Jared Schiess, Kyle Thompson added a 25-yard field goal to make it 19-10 with 10:31 to play in the third quarter. Utah scored again to lead 26-10 late in the third quarter.

Two more quick touchdowns for Utah midway through the fourth quarter made it 40-10. The Wildcats drove 75 yards and finished with a 2-yard touchdown from Bronson Barron to Hayden Meacham to finish the night.

Numbers to know
Utah totaled 450 yards of offense compared to 270 for the Wildcats. Weber State had 213 passing and just 57 yards rushing. The 'Cats recorded 14 first downs but had 11 penalties with one interception and one fumble.

Barron was 21 of 33 passing for 213 yards and one touchdown. Justin Malone led the Wildcat receivers with five catches for 50 yards and Ty MacPherson had five catches for 48 yards.

Dontae McMilan had seven carries for 39 yards and Josh Davis had seven carries for 17 yards.

On defense, Preston Smith led the team with nine tackles and Ja'Kobe Harris had one interception.

Up next
The Wildcats hit the road again for another instate game when they head to St. George to take on Dixie State next Saturday. Kickoff will be at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 11. The game will be streamed on ESPN+.

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Team Stats

Bronson Barron

Players Mentioned

Bronson Barron

Josh Davis

Ty MacPherson

Justin Malone

Hayden Meacham

Kalisi Moli

Jared Schiess

Rashid Shaheed

Preston Smith

Kyle Thompson

Players Mentioned

Bronson Barron

Josh Davis

Ty MacPherson

Justin Malone

Hayden Meacham

Kalisi Moli

Jared Schiess

Rashid Shaheed

Preston Smith

Kyle Thompson

Weber State University Athletics