The spotlight keeps getting brighter on college football in Utah, and this week it lands squarely on Salt Lake City.
After ESPN College GameDay made the trip to Provo last week for the BYU-Notre Dame thriller, the show is headed to the University of Utah on Saturday for a top-15 showdown: No. 10 Utah against No. 14 Houston.
For the Utes, the matchup feels like a chance to prove themselves on a bigger stage.
"We're for sure excited; it's a good opportunity to show the world what we can do, you know, and we're excited," said Utah defensive back Rabbit Evans. "We're practicing well, so we're ready to go."
Jackson Bennee sounded just as fired up when asked about the Cougars.
"Super excited," added Utah defensive back Jackson Bennee. "It's going to be a great game. They're a heck of a team, and it'll be the best challenge we have so far."
That’s not just talk. Houston brings a dangerous offense into town, with Texas A&M transfer Connor Weigman steering one of the Big 12’s most explosive units.
Utah’s secondary knows it will have its hands full, but Bennee said the group is up for the test.
"Honestly, I feel confident with our secondary," Bennee said about the matchup. "I think they're just a good team all around.
Their line's good. Running back, quarterback, receivers, you know, they're just solid all around."
Utah’s own offense can trade punches, too. The Utes have multiple ways to stress a defense, including quarterbacks Devon Dampier and Byrd Ficklin, both of whom can run, catch and throw. Running back Wayshawn Parker has piled up just short of 600 rushing yards this season and has found the end zone seven times on the ground and four more through the air.
Morgan Scalley pointed to the broader picture when comparing the teams.
"...a lot of it comes down to how good are you on special teams and how disciplined are you," Utah head coach Morgan Scalley said about the similarities between the two teams and their offense and defense.
He also made clear the respect Utah has for Houston’s staff.
"So much respect for their coaching staff and how they do things, you know, they're very well coached. We're excited for what we've got prepared as well."
In Other News...
Utah Suspends Jamal Wallace As Troubling Arrest Raises Bigger Questions
Utah defensive tackle Jamal Wallace has been out of the program since the athletics department was made aware of the situation on Oct. 11, a move that came quickly after his arrest and underscored how seriously the school is treating the matter. Wallaces case centers on allegations that he shared videos of a sexual encounter on Snapchat, and while the arrest has stirred concern around the program, he was not arrested on a sexual assault charge.
Wallace was booked on misdemeanor counts tied to allegedly distributing intimate images without consent, and he denied sexual assault during a police interview. He has not been formally charged as of the report, leaving the situation unresolved for Utah as it navigates both the legal process and the broader questions that come with an indefinite suspension of a player facing such troubling allegations. [Read more 🡒]
Utahs New Standard Showed Up When Oregon Tried To Pull Away
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Utah did not flip the game with one clean surge so much as by surviving the pressure moments and sticking with it long enough for the momentum to turn. The Utes found support across the rotation, with Malek Gomma providing a major lift after the break, and the finishing stretch became a test of poise as Oregon tried to keep control. In a game like this, the details matter, and Utahs next step will be proving it can make this standard feel less like one strong night and more like the baseline. [Read more 🡒]
Colorado Heads Into Oklahoma State With A Growing Injury Problem
Colorados injury report keeps getting longer at exactly the wrong time, with the Buffaloes headed into their Week 8 matchup against Oklahoma State already dealing with a series of roster concerns. Running back Micah Welch and offensive lineman Jayven Richardson were the latest additions, adding more strain to a team trying to steady itself before another Big 12 test.
Deion Sanders has already said Welchs situation is serious enough to warrant close attention, while Danny Scuderos availability has become a major concern as the season moves on. There is at least some movement in the other direction, with Sam Gadie showing up on the report as he works toward a possible return, and Lamont Lesters reduced role being tied to a full recovery. [Read more 🡒]