Utah brings the thunder in 38-13 win over Washington State

SALT LAKE CITY — There were concerns lightning might interrupt and possibly delay the Utah-Washington State football game late Saturday night.

Though the skies opened up and dumped rain on Rice-Eccles Stadium and its rowdy and red-poncho-sporting occupants a few times, Mother Nature didn’t send any bolts in the direction of this anticipated Pac-12 showdown.

Utah provided the thunder, though.

The Utes’ offense lit up the scoreboard and the defense came through big-time in an important 38-13 victory over a dangerous Washington State squad.

The win snapped a four-game losing streak to WSU.

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It was just what Utah needed after a disappointing beginning to conference play the previous week against USC in Los Angeles. The 19th-ranked Utes improved to 4-1 overall and 1-1 in Pac-12 action, avoiding a second-straight 0-2 league start.

Utah, not Washington State (3-2, 0-2), looked like its offense was one of the best in the country on this night. The Utes compiled 526 yards and clicked all night, not even needing the punting services of Ben Lennon until late in the fourth quarter.

Quarterback Tyler Huntley threw for 334 yards — to nine players — and two TDs on 21-of-30 passing to continue his stellar season. The senior playmaker, who had a QB rating of 185.5, also rushed for two scores.

Utah also churned out 192 yards on the ground despite star running back Zack Moss sitting out with a shoulder injury. Junior Devonta’e Henry-Cole led the Utes with 79 yards rushing on 15 carries, while Huntley (31 yards rushing) and Derrick Vickers each rushed for touchdowns.

The Ute defense showed it meant business from the get-go and seemed to get better as the night progressed, as the visitors’ scoreless second half would suggest.

WSU won the coin toss and opted to take the ball, but Utah nullified the visitors’ early advantage and forced the Cougars into a punt after John Penisini sacked QB Anthony Gordon.

Washington State came into this contest leading the country in passing (499.5 yards), second in total offense (605.2 yards) and fifth in scoring (52.8 points), but Mike Leach’s team didn’t come close to reaching any of its averages compiled against the likes of New Mexico State, Northern Colorado, Houston and UCLA.

The Cougars only had 313 yards of offense and were held 40 points under their average. A week after tossing nine TDs in a wild 67-63 loss to UCLA, Gordon threw for just 252 yards on 30-for-49 passing and had more interceptions (two) than touchdowns (one).

Utah’s first possession wasn’t any more successful despite a 54-yard reception by Bryan Thompson. The Utes’ efforts came up short as Jadon Redding’s 33-yard field-goal attempt on a wet surface sailed to the left.

The Utes put up first points later in the first quarter on an 11-yard Henry-Cole TD catch from Huntley.

WSU responded with a touchdown — a 4-yard scoring reception by Deon McIntosh — but the game didn’t stay tied for long.

Two plays later, Ute receiver Samson Nacua, getting extra touches in Britain Covey’s absence, hauled in a 52-yard touchdown catch for a 14-7 Utah lead.

WSU chipped into the Utes’ lead with a pair of Blake Mazza field goals, including a 51-yarder, but Utah went into the locker room with the momentum after a 15-yard TD scramble by Huntley put the home team up 21-13.

The Utes’ scoring surge continued with a Redding 28-yard field goal and second-half rushing scores by Vickers and Huntley.

NOTES: Utah held a fifth-consecutive opponent to under 100 yards rushing. The Cougars finished with just 61 yards on the ground. ... Thompson finished with 111 yards receiving on four catches, while Nacua had 90 yards receiving and Solomon Enis 62. ... Bernard topped Utah with 12 tackles along with his interception. ... Utah has a bye next week and will resume its Pac-12 schedule on Oct. 12 at Oregon State.