Utah Is All Over Vegas in a Flash

It took about 15 seconds for No. 9-ranked Utah to show Nevada Las Vegas that there would be no upset Saturday night.

That’s how long it took Morgan Scalley to run 90 yards off a reverse on the opening kickoff in the Utes’ 63-28 victory over the Rebels in a steady rain and the temperature in the 40s.

“I think it was very important, because a team like that, they can be scary if you give them hope,” said Alex Smith, who threw three touchdown passes and ran 70 yards for a touchdown.

“Mentally, it just took them out of it right away. It’s tough to come back from that.”

There was no danger of Utah (7-0, 3-0 Mountain West) letting the Rebels get overly optimistic. From the time Scalley took a pitch from Bo Nagahi and sprinted down the right sideline, Utah dominated.

The Utes reached their highest point total in 10 years and improved to 7-0 for the fourth time ever.

Utah put on a show with a representative from the Liberty Bowl looking on, but the Utes are aiming higher than a second consecutive trip to Memphis, Tenn., as conference champions. Utah wants a bowl championship series berth.

“If we’re 2-5, there’s maybe a little reason to lose focus. But not at 7-0. Not with this football team. Not with the leaders and coaching staff,” said Scalley, who also had one of two interceptions for Utah.

The Utes forced four turnovers, blocked two punts -- including one for a touchdown -- and scored their most points since scoring 66 in a shutout of Division I-AA Idaho State in 1994, which was the last time they were 7-0.

Senior Dominique Dorsey had 179 yards and two touchdowns in 24 carries for the Rebels (2-6, 1-3).

Smith left in the third quarter after completing 11 of 19 passes for 147 yards.