Rice-Eccles Stadium was packed Friday night.
The largest season-opening crowd in Utah football history — 45,528 — attended the Utes' season-opening win over Arizona.
"Obviously we are thrilled that we sold out our first game. It appears that the enthusiasm of last year has carried over into this season," said Utah associate athletics director Liz Abel. "We're particularly pleased with the great showing by our student body and our record season-ticket sales."
The Utes have now drawn seven straight crowds that rank among the top 15 highest overall. Friday's attendance was the third-best overall.
IN MEMORY: The Utes honored the late Thomas Herrion, who collapsed and died after an NFL preseason game Aug. 20 in Denver, with a moment of silence before the game. The tribute followed a short video presentation highlighting the former Utah captain's life. At the time of his death, he was trying to earn a roster spot with the San Francisco 49ers.
BIG LEG:Dan Beardall, playing in place of injured veteran kicker Bryan Borreson, had an outstanding night. Beardall made both of his field goal attempts and all three extra points. His 45-yarder — that barely cleared the crossbar in the north end zone midway through the third quarter, was the longest by a Ute since the 2002 season.
COSTLY TURNOVERS: Eric Weddle's 24-yard interception return for a TD was Utah's final score, giving them a 27-10 lead in the third quarter. It turned out to be huge in a three-point victory. Utah also added an interception by Casey Evans on the Wildcats' final offensive play and recovered two fumbles.
"We won the turnover battle and that was huge," said Whittingham.
Brian Johnson, making his first start at quarterback, didn't throw an interception, although he did fumble a snap that was recovered by the Wildcats.
SHORT TAKES: This was Utah's fourth straight victory over a Pac-10 school and fifth in six . . . The series with the Wildcats now stands at 19-15-2 for the Utes. The win was Utah's first at home over Arizona since 1972 when it overcame a 27-point deficit to beat the Wildcats, 28-27. The Utes are 10-7 vs. Arizona in Salt Lake City . . . When Arizona opened the scoring with a field goal early in the second quarter, it was the first time the Utes had trailed a game since the sixth game of the year last season. Utah fell behind 7-0 against North Carolina before rallying for a lopsided victory. Friday night was the first time in 28 quarters the Utes had trailed.
Contributing: Dirk Facer, Loren Jorgensen