UPDATE: The Utah Utes are gearing up for a critical top-25 matchup against the #17 Cincinnati Bearcats following a resounding 53-7 victory over Colorado. Head coach Kyle Whittingham expressed confidence in his team, stating, “You know, just all positives.” The game is set for 8:15 p.m. on October 28, 2023, at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City.
In a performance that showcased their defensive prowess, the Utes recorded seven sacks and held Colorado to under 150 yards of total offense. The standout of the night was Byrd Ficklin, who stepped in for the injured Devon Dampier and shone brightly in his first career start. Ficklin rushed for 151 yards and a touchdown, while also throwing for two touchdowns, earning him the title of Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week.
“My phone was blowing up,” Ficklin said, reflecting on his impressive debut. “First start, first win, I was just enjoying the win with my teammates.” His success is a significant boost for the Utes as they prepare for another challenging game, with Ficklin emphasizing the need to stay grounded despite the accolades.
Whittingham provided an update on Dampier’s recovery, stating, “[Dampier] has certainly been feeling better each day.” The decision on the starting quarterback will depend on how Dampier progresses leading up to the game. “If he’s not ready, then we know Byrd is ready to go again if he needs to be,” Whittingham added.
As excitement builds, ESPN’s College GameDay is returning to Utah for the sixth time. However, the Utes have struggled in previous appearances, losing three out of their last four matches when the show visited Salt Lake City. Whittingham remains optimistic, asserting that the attention will not distract his players, stating, “The biggest distraction is guys just knowing that they’re on center stage.”
This upcoming clash is vital for both teams: Utah holds a record of 6-2 with a 3-2 record in the Big 12, while Cincinnati boasts a strong 7-1 record and is undefeated in conference play at 5-0. The stakes are high, and fans are eager to see if the Utes can build on their recent momentum.
As the game approaches, all eyes will be on Salt Lake City, and the atmosphere is expected to be electric. Utes fans are ready to rally behind their team in what promises to be an unforgettable showdown. Stay tuned for more updates as kickoff approaches!
