SALT LAKE CITY — Utah continued to assert its dominance in college football with a commanding 55-28 victory over Baylor last week. The Utes showcased their defensive prowess by picking off the nation’s passing leader twice, with Elijah Davis returning one interception a remarkable 65 yards for a touchdown.
The star of the show was true freshman quarterback Byrd Ficklin, who delivered game-changing plays with touchdown runs of 74 and 67 yards. Running back Wayshawn Parker also had an impressive performance, rushing for 129 yards, marking his third consecutive game with over 100 yards. Head coach Kyle Whittingham praised Ficklin as the team’s “biggest catalyst” for their recent success.
The Utes’ decisive win propelled them to No. 12 in the playoff selection rankings, reflecting the committee’s appreciation for their impressive margins of victory. All eight of Utah’s wins this season have come by 25 points or more, showcasing their consistency and strength as they prepare to face Kansas State for the first time this Saturday at 2 p.m. MST on ESPN2.
Looking at the statistical performance, Utah ranks highly on both sides of the ball in opponent-adjusted metrics compiled by Pick Six Previews, placing 12th overall among Power 4 teams with a particularly strong rushing attack ranked third. Conversely, Kansas State has struggled this season, being ranked 37th in both offense and defense, and has been heavily reliant on their quarterback, Avery Johnson, who has underperformed since taking the helm.
Utah’s offensive line has been instrumental in Parker’s emergence as a leading back, standing out as a semifinalist for the Joe Moore Award. This line, considered one of the best Whittingham has coached, excels in both run blocking and pass protection, contributing to Utah’s potent ground game. Parker ranks fifth in the Big 12 for rushing yards per game and leads in yards per carry among players with over 100 attempts.
On the flip side, Kansas State’s offense has struggled against inferior competition, recording just 14 points against Oklahoma State last week. With running back Dylan Edwards sidelined, the Wildcats have seen a decline in their rushing effectiveness, diminishing their overall offensive capabilities.
As the teams gear up for their meeting, Utah appears to hold a significant advantage on both sides of the ball, particularly with their formidable rushing attack. Predictions favor Utah to dominate the matchup, with expectations to control the game pace and rack up substantial yardage. Fans are hopeful for another impressive outing as the Utes aim to keep their Big 12 title and playoff aspirations alive.
Final prediction: Utah 41, Kansas State 24.