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The University of Utah Athletics
Utah vs. Michigan Postgame Notes
9/3/2015 12:00 AM | Football
Sept. 3, 2015
Recap | Final Stats | Quotes | USATSI 
Utah starts the season 1-0 and has won its last eight season openers. The Utes have won 11-straight season openers played at home.
The attendance of 47,825 was a Rice-Eccles Stadium record and the Utes have now sold out 32-consecutive home games. Of the sellouts, 29 have been played before standing-room only crowds that exceed stadium capacity.
Utah is now 3-1 all-time against Michigan with wins in each of the last three meetings. The Utes are now 9-12 all-time against current Big Ten Conference schools.
The Utah defense surrendered only 119 yards of total offense and 25 rushing yards to Michigan in the first half, and forced three interceptions, all by the Ute defensive backfield.
Justin Thomas returned his first career interception 55 yards for a score to put Utah ahead 24-10 midway through the fourth quarter. Marcus Williams had his second career interception and junior transfer cornerback Cory Butler-Byrd started and had an interception in the first quarter.
Senior linebacker Gionni Paul tied his career-high with 14 tackles (0.5 tackles for loss) for his third career game with double-digits in tackles. He also had 14 tackles against Michigan and Oregon State last season.
Tevin Carter, who played in just four games last year after an injury, had a career-high nine tackles and led Utah with 1.5 tackles for loss. He also had a pass breakup.
Utah went 3-for-3 in red zone attempts with two touchdowns and a field goal.
Devontae Booker scored his first rushing touchdown of the year in the first quarter on a one-yard rush. He has 11 career rushing touchdowns and 13 total (2 receiving). Booker led Utah in rushing with 22 carries for 69 yards. He led Utah with 124 all-purpose yards, which a 20-yard gain in the first series of the game to set up the first field goal of the contest.
Travis Wilson went 24-for-33 for 208 yards passing (0 TD, 1 INT). He rushed for a 14-yard score in the third quarter, his first rushing touchdown of the season and 15th of his career. His lone interception was on a `jump ball' as time expired in the first half. Wilson rushed for 53 yards (12 carries).
Wilson found eight different receivers. In his Utah debut, freshman wide receiver Britain Covey caught five passes for 58 yards.
Wide receiver Tyrone Smith started in his Utah debut and had two receptions for 11 yards. Senior Bubba Poole started at slot receiver and had three receptions for 22 yards.
Tight end Harrison Handley made his first career reception, an 18-yard catch in the third quarter.
Tom Hackett had four punts for 192 yards (48.0 average), including a career-long 74-yard punt in the second quarter.
Andy Phillips went 1-of-3 on field goal attempts with a 30-yard make (misses from 48 and 46) and is now 41-of-51 over his career. He was 2-for-2 PAT on attempts and is 87-of-88 for his career.
Backup running back Joe Williams also made his career debut and rushed for seven yards.
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/ FootballHead Coach Kyle Whittingham weekly press conference - 10.27.25
Monday, October 27
Utah: 53, Colorado: 7 | POST GAME PRESS CONFERENCE
Saturday, October 25
Crimson Corner with Bill Riley - ESPN's Fran Fraschilla
Wednesday, October 22
Head Coach Kyle Whittingham weekly press conference - 10.20.25
Monday, October 20