What to Know About Southern Utah Ahead of Utah’s Week 1 Matchup

Utah kicks off its 2024 college football season on Thursday at 7:00 PM MT with a home game against Southern Utah. On ESPN Bet, the Utes are favored by 38 points, and ESPN Analytics gives them a 98.3% chance of winning.

The Utes hold a 2-0 record over their in-state foe, with the most recent matchup occurring in 2022 - Utah won that game 73-7. Southern Utah also suffered a defeat in 2016 by a final score of 24-0.

Southern Utah finished last season with a 6-5 record, ranking third in the United Athletic Conference behind Austin Peay and Central Arkansas. The Thunderbirds had dropped 15 straight games to FBS teams, dating back to 2013 when they earned a win over South Alabama.

The Thunderbirds are debuting a new quarterback this season after the departure of Justin Miller, a three-year starter and the school's career passing leader with 9,545 yards and 73 touchdowns over four seasons in Cedar City.

Head coach DeLane Fitzgerald has yet to name an official starter for this season and will likely use Bronson Barron and Jordan Pachot heavily in this game.

Utah hasn't lost to an FCS team since 1994 and has gone 15-4 in Game 1s under head coach Kyle Whittingham. With Cam Rising returning to the field, the Thunderbirds should be no match for the Utes on Thursday night.