Utah Tech University earned their first win of the season following an upset win over Central Arkansas University.
Led by quarterback Reggie Graff’s four total touchdowns, Utah Tech was able to get its first win of the season over the No. 9 Central Arkansas. Graff threw for over 200 yards and two touchdowns, ran for 90 yards and a touchdown and even had a receiving touchdown.
“It started with practice. We had great preparation and a great week of practice overall,” Graff said. “Coach Stevens made it easy on me, had some easy reads for me and luckily they were running the defense we were preparing for. So, it was pretty easy for me to flick it out to our guys and let them work the field.“
Utah Tech made an effort throughout the game to move the ball quick through short passes and play action. Central Arkansas’s David Walker was No. 2 in sacks which heavily influenced how the Trailblazers game planned to attack the Central Arkansas defense.
“Coach Stevens had a great game plan of quick game, [run pass options] the run game, things like that just to keep things mixed up and account for [Walker] and his ability,” Utah Tech head coach Lance Anderson said.
Helping out in the passing game was tight end Eni Falayi, who returned from injury. In his return from injury, Falayi had a huge impact as he had ten catches for 105 yards and a touchdown.
Utah Tech built a commanding lead in the first half as kicker Ilya Uvaydov gave the Trailblazers the lead on a 30 yard field goal before the Trailblazers offense really got going in the second quarter.
Falayi caught a six yard pass from Graff before Graff caught a touchdown from Bryce Parker and eventually, Graff threw another touchdown to Shamar Garrett. Darius Hale had a rushing touchdown that got Central Arkansas on the board as Utah Tech led 24-7 at the end of the first half.
In addition to the key contributors on offense, the Trailblazers defense caused problems all game long for the Central Arkansas offense, forcing six turnovers. Brady Sorensen had two interceptions while Jaxson Smith and Scooter Jackson also had interceptions. In addition to the four interceptions, Quincy Lejay and Cody Carlson also recovered fumbles that helped set up the Trailblazer offense throughout the game.
Coach Anderson has emphasized the importance of finishing plays and games strongly throughout the season, something which he was able to see in action in the second half.
“It hasn’t been an easy year,” Anderson said. “I really appreciate the team because they have continued to believe, they have never given up, they come in and work hard every day at practice and it’s great to see some results.”
Utah Tech goes into a bye week off their first win before coming back to play the University of West Georgia Nov. 16.
