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Tao Johnson picks Noah Fifita to give Utah Late Spark

Tao Johnson picks Noah Fifita to give Utah Late Spark

Vaseline 1 month ago

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.

As the final quarter began, Utah found itself trailing by a massive 16-3 after a sputtering foul.

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 get one down at a crucial moment in the fourth.

And Johnson’s first career interception was the perfect morale booster for the Utes.

After gaining just 46 yards in the entire third quarter, Utah rattled off a 6-play, 80-yard drive that ended in the game’s first touchdown.

RELATED: Turnover sets up Isaac Wilson, Caleb Lohner Connection for Utah’s first touchdown

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

The Utes looked primed for a comeback in the fourth quarter and it was all sparked by the pick.

Three game day thoughts from Utes Insider Steve Bartle

1. Night game at Rice-Eccles Stadium

Utah has really leaned into the Dark Mode theme this season. As they should. There is something very special about Rice-Eccles at night.

β€œI don’t know what it is, but there’s something magical about Rice-Eccles and night games,” head coach Kyle Whittingham said during last week’s press conference.

The atmosphere in the stadium tonight should be quite electric. It’s been a while since the last home evening game for the Utes, there were none last season.

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Utah is also coming off a rather memorable road win at Oklahoma State, a fairly ideal scenario for homecoming week. This weekend was all about the throwback uniforms, which now also feature an all-black set to match the Dark Mode theme.

There is certainly a lot of excitement heading into this game, defensive tackle Junior Tafuna summed it up best earlier this week.

β€œRice-Eccles is always louder in the dark,” he said. β€œRice-Eccles is going to pop, it’s going to be loud and I’m excited, we’re all excited.”

2. A chance at 5-0 with all the context surrounding the start of this season

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

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

Not only that, but they also lost their No. 2 cornerback in the first few series of the season. Then their veteran defensive leader and top pass rusher have each missed the last two games.

Still, Utah has a chance tonight to improve to 5-0 and solidify their position atop the Big 12. Something many only thought possible if Cam Rising was healthy, let alone Kenan Johnson, Karene Reid and Connor O’Toole.

Regardless of what happens tonight, Utah has positioned themselves favorably with their best ball in front of them.

3. Curious about the new concession process

The fan experience is an important dynamic in football matches. The experience in the previous two home games was not ideal.

Due to significant traffic congestion at the concourse, Utah Athletics and Rice-Eccles Stadium have changed the process surrounding their concessions.

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

Utah fans will now receive a full soda cup with their first purchase. That eliminates the primary problem of having to wait in an extra line to fill the cup with soda, both initially and as a refill. Additional soft drink vending machines have been installed to speed up the entire process for fans as well.

Curious to hear how much these changes help the fan experience tonight.

Follow Utah insider Steve Bartle for the biggest Utah Football storylines or check out his coverage at KSLSports.com.

Chandler Holt is co-host of the Jazz Notes podcasta Locals In The NFL Insider and a digital sports producer for KSLSports.com. To follow Chandler on X for Utah Jazz and Locals In The NFL updates.

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