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Because of the pandemic, fans weren’t allowed to cheer the Utah football team in person at Rice-Eccles Stadium last season.
But for the first time since 2019, a limited number of fans, about 6,500, will be allowed to attend the annual Red-White scrimmage Saturday at noon, which marks the culmination of spring practices.
“It will be great. We’re anticipating 6,500. Not everyone will get to go — typically we get about 10,000 for the spring game,” coach Kyle Whittingham said of having fans in the stands. “It’s a step in the right direction. Just hoping that we’re at full capacity in the fall. That may be a little optimistic but that’s what we’re hoping for.”
Whittingham said the Utes have made significant strides during spring drills.
Meanwhile, newly hired basketball coach Craig Smith has been busy hiring assistants and improving his team through the transfer portal.
Utah’s women’s volleyball team is the No. 14 seed in the NCAA Tournament in Omaha, Nebraska. The Utes, led by Pac-12 Player of the Year Dani Drews, will play Thursday night.
Numbers Game
14.6: Points averaged last year by the newest Utes guard, David Jenkins, Jr., at UNLV.
324: Kills recorded this season by Utah outside hitter Dani Drews.
1,065: Career receiving yards recorded by tight end Brant Kuithe.
From the Archives
Extra Points
Red Rocks doing things no Utah team has done before (Deseret News)
Craig Smith finalizes staff (Deseret News)
Madi Robinson’s contributions crucial for Utes (Deseret News)
Dani Drews earns first Pac-12 Player of the Year Award for Utah volleyball (Deseret News)
Charlie Brewer turning heads during spring ball (Deseret News)
Fanalyst
Comments from Deseret News readers
Both of the guys picked up in the transfer portal look to be one dimensional offensively. ... they are outside shooters only and don’t drive to the basket much. Both (Timmy) Allen and (Ian) Martinez were skilled at taking it in the paint. Outside of Pelle Larssen I can’t think on one player on the current roster who has the ability to penetrate. Hope Smith is able to pick up a few slashers.
— UU
I’ve been burnt by big talk about Utah QBs sooooo many times, but hey, what’s the fun of being a fan if you can’t actually be fanatical about things every once in awhile. So, I’m buying the hype, hook, line and sinker. I can’t wait to see Brewer or Rising dominate this next year. Go Utes!!!!!!!
— Not_paying_for_the_Trib
Up Next
April 15 | 8:30 p.m. | Volleyball | vs. Pittsburgh/LIU | @Omaha | ESPN3
April 16 | 7 p.m. | Baseball | vs. UCLA | @Los Angeles
April 17 | Noon | Football | Red-White Scrimmage | @Rice-Eccles Stadium | Pac-12 Network
April 16 | 3 p.m. | Women’s soccer | vs. Colorado | @Boulder
April 16-17 | 4 p.m. | Gymnastics | NCAA Championships | @Fort Worth, Texas
April 17 | 3 p.m. | Baseball | vs. UCLA | @Los Angeles
April 18 | 2 p.m. | Baseball | vs. UCLA | @Los Angeles
April 20 | 1 p.m. | Softball | vs. Weber State | @Ogden