‘We definitely enjoyed it’: What you may have missed as Utah brought the fun to its season opener

Utah's 2026 season opener at Rice-Eccles Stadium featured two prominent figures: starting quarterback Devon Dampier and head coach Morgan Scalley. Dampier, returning for his senior year after overcoming injuries, was eager to make a memorable impact. Scalley, the sixth consecutive Utah head coach to win his first game of the first full season, led the team to a dominant 66-14 victory over FCS opponent Idaho.

Dampier praised Scalley, noting his ability to maintain composure and maintain a positive attitude throughout the game. "He was like, 'Y'all, we've been doing this for months now, so just go out there, do what you do. We're all going to make mistakes, but at the end of the day, forget it, move on to the next play,'" Dampier said. The Utes' atmosphere was electric, with fans, coaches, and players expressing their enthusiasm for the start of the new era.

Backup quarterback Byrd Ficklin also played a crucial role in the game. He stepped in when Dampier was subbed out with a substantial lead, demonstrating his versatility and leadership. Both Dampier and Scalley highlighted Ficklin's contributions, emphasizing that having two effective starting quarterbacks is a valuable asset. Scalley expressed his concern about the defensive impact of having such an efficient and skilled duo on the field.