3 takeaways from Utah’s big win against Idaho

Published: Sept 3, 2026, 11:31 p.m. MDT

Utah Utes fans cheer during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. Tess Crowley, Deseret News

Hayden is a general assignment intern who covers politics, Utah culture and other trending news.

You can definitely put that one down as a win for Morgan Scalley in his debut season opener as Utah’s head coach.

The Utes beat the Idaho Vandals 66-14 Thursday night at Rice-Eccles Stadium to open the 2026 season in convincing fashion. Though Idaho put up some resistance early, this one was over essentially from the start.

It was a nice game for Utah to work out some of the kinks before it welcomes SEC foe Arkansas to Salt Lake City next Saturday.

Here are three keys from the Utes’ victory.

Utah Utes tight end Noah Bennee (89) scores a touchdown during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

Utah Utes running back Steve Chavez-Soto (25) scores a touchdown during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

Utah Utes quarterback Brandon Rose (14) celebrates after Utah Utes running back LaMarcus Bell (26) scores a touchdown during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

Utah Utes running back LaMarcus Bell (26) runs to score a touchdown during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

Utah Utes wide receiver Braden Pegan (7) scores a touchdown during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

Utah Utes quarterback Devon Dampier (4) runs down the field during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

Utah Utes head coach Morgan Scalley coaches during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

Swoop looks toward the crowd during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

Idaho Vandals players look up at a replay during an NCAA football game against the Utah Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

Utah Utes cheerleaders cheer during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

Utah Utes wide receiver Braden Pegan (7) runs down the field during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

Utah Utes tight end Hunter Andrews (10) runs down the field during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

Utah Utes wide receiver Mana Carvalho (8) runs down the field during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

Utah Utes quarterback Devon Dampier (4) throws the ball during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

The Utah Utes play against the Idaho Vandals during an NCAA football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

Idaho Vandals defensive back Hysan Dalton (3) blocks a pass against the Utah Utes during an NCAA football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

Utah Utes wide receiver Larry Simmons (12) runs down the field during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

Idaho Vandals head coach Thomas Ford Jr. coaches during an NCAA football game against the Utah Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

Utah Utes quarterback Byrd Ficklin (15) gains yards during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

The Utah Utes celebrate after winning against the Idaho Vandals during an NCAA football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

Utah Utes running back Wayshawn Parker (1) lights the U after winning against the Idaho Vandals during an NCAA football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

Utah Utes safety Tommy Nelson (38) celebrates after the Utah Utes win against the Idaho Vandals during an NCAA football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

Utah Utes running back LaMarcus Bell (26) celebrates after winning against the Idaho Vandals during an NCAA football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

Utah Utes running back Wayshawn Parker (1) and teammates celebrate after winning against the Idaho Vandals during an NCAA football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

Utah Utes running back Wayshawn Parker (1) scores a touchdown during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

Utah Utes fans cheer as Utah Utes running back Wayshawn Parker (1) scores a touchdown during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

Utah Utes running back Wayshawn Parker (1), left, celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

Idaho Vandals wide receiver Lonyatta Alexander Jr. (2) jumps to gain yards during an NCAA football game against the Utah Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

Utah Utes quarterback Devon Dampier (4) warms up before an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

The Utah Utes warm up before an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

Utah Utes head coach Morgan Scalley walks on the field during warmups before an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

Utah Utes wide receiver Larry Simmons (12) warms up before an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

Utah Utes fans cheer during warmups before an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

Utah Utes running back Wayshawn Parker (1) warms up before an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

Utah Utes players arrive for an NCAA football game between the Utah Utes and Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

Brondy Ridley, Utah Utes quarterback Byrd Ficklin’s (15) mother, poses with her nails and bag before an NCAA football game between the Utah Utes and Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

Brondy Ridley, Utah Utes quarterback Byrd Ficklin’s (15) mother, poses with her earrings before an NCAA football game between the Utah Utes and Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

Utah Utes cornerback Elijah Reed (11), center, is embraced by family as he and the team arrive for an NCAA football game between the Utah Utes and Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

Beatriz Ramirez, girlfriend of Utah Utes cornerback Elijah Reed (11), poses before watching the Utah Utes arrive for an NCAA football game between the Utah Utes and Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

Brondy Ridley, Utah Utes quarterback Byrd Ficklin’s (15) mother, poses before an NCAA football game between the Utah Utes and Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

Utah Utes fans line up to watch the Utah Utes arrive before an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

Utah Utes quarterback Byrd Ficklin (15), center, is embraced by his mother Brandy Ridley, right, as he and the team arrive for an NCAA football game between the Utah Utes and Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

Beatriz Ramirez, girlfriend of Utah Utes cornerback Elijah Reed (11), poses with her boots before an NCAA football game between the Utah Utes and Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

Utah Utes head coach Morgan Scalley arrives for an NCAA football game between the Utah Utes and Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

Utah Utes fans cheer as Utah Utes quarterback Devon Dampier (4) arrives for an NCAA football game between the Utah Utes and Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

Utah Utes quarterback Devon Dampier (4) arrives for an NCAA football game between the Utah Utes and Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

OC Kevin McGiven has 2 QBs

It has been the expectation that both starting quarterback Devon Dampier and backup Byrd Ficklin would be featured this season, and that was the case Thursday night.

The two played together on a trick play, and both got time leading the Utah offense.

Dampier completed 13 of 18 passes for 176 yards and three touchdowns, and Ficklin went 4 of 8 for 93 yards and two touchdowns.

On the ground, Ficklin finished with 70 yards on eight carries and Dampier totaled 31 yards on six carries.

Neither QB had a rushing touchdown.

It’s safe to say that if Utes offensive coordinator Kevin McGiven wants to switch things up, he has options. It will be interesting to see what wrinkles the offense has in store for the season with two talented signal callers.

Wayshawn Parker couldn’t stay out of the end zone early

With two receiving touchdowns and one on the ground, junior running back Wayshawn Parker could be a huge component of the Utah attack this season.

Though he finished with just 94 yards of total offense, they came in just over a quarter of play. Once Parker plays in a full game, expect him to put up some hefty numbers.

Of course, it was against Idaho, but if the offensive line can create some seams for Parker to penetrate, his presence could really open the playbook as defenses are forced to stop him.

Utah’s trenches could see some improvement

It ended up not being a major problem, but both Utah’s offensive and defensive lines struggled to get going a bit Thursday.

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Eventually, the Utes put pressure on Idaho QB Joshua Wood plenty, even preventing what very well could have been an Idaho touchdown on a pass out to the sideline where the Utah cornerback was beaten.

Idaho’s experienced offensive line, though outmatched by Utah’s talented defense for much of the game, did manage to string together a tactical drive wherein it opened up holes in the Utah defense, eventually leading to the only touchdown of the first half for the Vandals.

But by the second half, the Ute defense showed that Idaho had no business being on the same field, despite a spectacular play by Wood. He evaded a would-be tackle that would have resulted in a huge loss and instead passed it off for a hefty gain that set up an eventual Vandals touchdown.

Utah’s offensive line is still a wildcard, as a game against FCS Idaho is not a great indicator of what they will be this year, but next week Scalley and his staff will have a better understanding of the level of their lines when expected SEC bottom-dweller Arkansas rolls into town for a showdown.

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