Utah Football’s Isaac Wilson and Caleb Lohner connect for the first touchdown

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah football tight end Caleb Lohner scored his third touchdown catch of the year, putting the Utes within striking distance of Arizona in the fourth quarter.

The scoring was initiated by an interception by Tao Johnson on the first play of the fourth period.

RELATED: Tao Johnson tackles Noah Fifita to give Utah spark in fourth quarter

3 career catches, 3 career TDs for @caleblohner 👊

📺: @espn #GoUtes pic.twitter.com/wVXp8pKac6

— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) September 29, 2024

After totaling just 46 yards of offense in the third quarter, freshman QB Isaac Wilson led Utah with a six-play, 80-yard drive before finding Lohner.

After moving from college basketball at Baylor and BYU to football, the 6-foot-2 tight end has a pretty clear role in Salt Lake City.

He has three catches so far in his Utes career, and all three were touchdowns.

Our man is shooting 100% from the field this season.
👌👌@caleblohner | #GoUtes https://t.co/g2eFuEQKyz pic.twitter.com/J8vHNFTqkY

— Utah Athletics (@utahathletics) September 29, 2024

With this score, Utah was only six points behind.

However, they were unable to build on that momentum and the Wildcats quickly extended their lead back to 13.

Three thoughts on game day from Utes insider Steve Bartle

1st night game at Rice-Eccles Stadium

Utah has really embraced the Dark Mode theme this season. As they should. There is something truly extraordinary about Rice-Eccles at night.

“I don’t know (what it is), but there’s something magical about Rice-Eccles and night games,” head coach Kyle Whittingham said at the press conference last week.

The atmosphere in the stadium should be quite electric tonight. It’s been a while since the Utes’ last evening home game, there wasn’t one last season.

RELATED: Utah Football vs. Arizona Fan Guide: TV info, what to wear, top storylines

Utah is also coming off a significant road win at Oklahoma State, an ideal scenario for homecoming week. This weekend saw the retro uniforms, which are now also all black and fit the dark mode theme.

Wear black. Be early. Be loud. 🙌#GoUtes https://t.co/7TfVe2Dbiv

— Utah Athletics (@utahathletics) September 28, 2024

The anticipation for this game is definitely high, defensive tackle Junior Tafuna summed it up best earlier this week.

“Rice-Eccles is always louder after dark,” he said. “Rice-Eccles is going to be banging, it’s going to be loud and I’m excited, we’re all excited.”

2. A chance to go 5-0 with all the context surrounding the start of the season

Utah football has a chance to do something significant in the Big 12 Conference this weekend.

But first, consider that Utah has seen its star quarterback play in four quarters this season.

Additionally, they lost their No. 2 cornerback in the first series of the season. Then their veteran defensive leader and top pass rusher each missed the last two games.

We’re going to have some big visitors this weekend! They may even be a few late additions to the list. #GoUtes pic.twitter.com/RTseeVDHc3

— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) September 26, 2024

Still, Utah has a chance to improve to 5-0 tonight and solidify its position atop the Big 12. Something many only thought was possible if Cam Rising was healthy, not to mention Kenan Johnson, Karene Reid and Connor O’Toole.

Regardless of what happens tonight, Utah is positioned well with its best ball in front of them.

3. I’m curious about the new concession process

The fan experience is an important dynamic at football games. In the last two home games the experience was anything but ideal.

Due to significant congestion issues, Utah Athletics and Rice-Eccles Stadium have modified the process surrounding their concessions.

At the heart of these problems were empty soda cups while shopping and long lines at refill stations, exacerbating long-standing congestion.

“It got dark” 😈 https://t.co/QdW0KHPP6k

— Utah Athletics (@utahathletics) September 28, 2024

Utah fans now receive a full cup of soda with their first purchase. This eliminates the main problem of having to wait in an additional line to fill the cup with lemonade initially or as a refill. In order to speed up the entire process for the fans, additional drinks machines were installed.

I’m excited to see how much these changes help the fan experience tonight.

For the top Utah Football storylines, follow Utah Insider Steve Bartle or check out his coverage on KSLSports.com.

Chandler Holt is co-host of the Jazz Notes Podcasta Locals In The NFL Insider and Digital Sports Producer for KSLSports.com. Follow Chandler on X for Utah Jazz and Locals In The NFL updates.

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