SALT LAKE CITY — It started off in the worst possible manner for Idaho and then got worse.
The Vandals gave up turnovers in their own territory on their first two possessions, leading to a 10-0 Utah lead just over four minutes into the game. The Utes built on the early momentum and cruised to a 66-14 win over Idaho on Thursday night at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
The Vandals have built a reputation for playing competitive games against FBS opponents, but Thursday night failed to hold up that trend. Utah scored on 10 of its 12 possessions and repeatedly found ways to move the ball, while Idaho managed just two touchdowns on the evening.
Utah quarterback Devon Dampier helped set the tone early, connecting with Wayshawn Parker for a touchdown before Dillon Curtis added a field goal. Parker scored again on the ground as the Utes quickly turned Idaho’s early mistakes into a 17-0 advantage.
Idaho finally found an answer late in the second quarter. Hayden Kincheloe capped a 13-play, 75-yard drive with a 3-yard touchdown run, giving the Vandals a much-needed score and cutting into Utah’s lead. The drive provided a brief spark for an Idaho offense that struggled to consistently stay on the field against Utah’s defense.
The Utes answered before halftime and continued to pull away after the break. Utah added three touchdowns in the third quarter, including scores from Braden Pegan and Noah Bennee, before Joshua Wood gave the Vandals another highlight with a 22-yard touchdown scramble.
Wood’s touchdown was one of the few bright spots for Idaho on a difficult night. The Vandals struggled to establish consistent offensive production, particularly as Utah’s lead forced Idaho into increasingly difficult down-and-distance situations.
The Vandal defense continued to search for answers as Utah piled up 364 yards rushing and 633 yards of total offense. The Utes averaged 8.4 yards per play and converted 8 of 12 third-down opportunities, keeping drives alive and putting constant pressure on an Idaho defense that spent much of the night on the field.
Utah’s balance also made it difficult for the Vandals to slow the Utes down. Utah scored touchdowns through both the air and on the ground, with Parker, Pegan and other Utes contributing to an offense that consistently created explosive plays.
The loss drops Idaho to 0-2 on the season, while the game served as Utah’s season opener.
The Vandals now return home for the first of three consecutive games against likely ranked competition. Idaho hosts Lamar on Sept. 12 before welcoming Abilene Christian on Sept. 19 and Montana State on Oct. 2 following a bye week.
After a difficult night in Salt Lake City, Idaho will have an opportunity to regroup at home with a few extra days and try to build momentum before the heart of its schedule arrives.
