Finally-A-Friday, Week 7, Tonight’s Showdown in the Desert, Utah at Arizona State

Game: 16 Utah at Arizona State

Game Time: 10:30 PM Eastern, 7:30 PM Pacific

The stage is set for a classic Big 12 showdown under the Friday night lights. Still licking its wounds from a humbling loss to Arizona, Utah heads to Tempe to face an unexpectedly potent Arizona State squad. It’s a clash of styles, a battle of wills, and a pivotal moment for both teams in the conference race.

The Utes: Wounded But Dangerous

Utah, known for its stifling defense and physicality, has been hit hard by injuries. The availability of star quarterback Cameron Rising remains a mystery, shrouded in the typical Whittinghamian secrecy. If Rising can’t go, it’ll be up to freshman Isaac Wilson to navigate a hostile environment and avoid the red zone woes that plagued him against Arizona.

The Sun Devils: A Desert Mirage or the Real Deal?

Arizona State, led by freshman quarterback sensation Sam Leavitt, has defied expectations with a 4-1 start. But their schedule has been soft, and Utah represents a significant step up in competition. Can Leavitt handle the pressure of a primetime matchup against a top-tier defense?

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What We’re Watchin’ Saturday – Week 5 Edition

Early Games

Kentucky at 6 Ole Miss

Game Time: Noon Eastern/9:00 AM Pacific

TV: ABC, ESPN+

Ole Miss is on fire; the Rebels are hotter than a two-dollar pistol. They’re lighting it up, leading the FBS in passing yards, total offense, scoring offense, and scoring defense. Dart’s slinging it like a gunslinger, and the Rebels are putting up video game numbers. But, let’s be honest, they’ve been playing a bunch of cupcakes. That changes this Saturday. Kentucky had Georgia on the ropes, and now they’re coming for Ole Miss. Can Kentucky slow down the Rebels’ high-octane offense? Or will Jaxson Dart and his crew keep this train rolling? This SEC showdown is about to get wild.

20 Oklahoma State at 23 Kansas State

Game Time: Noon Eastern/9:00 AM Pacific

TV: ESPN

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What We’re Watching On Saturday

Featured Game: Texas at Michigan

Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan

Game Time: Noon Eastern; 9:00 a.m. Pacific

Television: Fox

Game Preview

In a highly anticipated early-season matchup, the No. 10 Michigan Wolverines (1-0) host the No. 3 Texas Longhorns (1-0) at Michigan Stadium on Saturday. This clash between two of college football’s winningest programs marks only the second-ever meeting between these storied teams.

Key Storylines

Michigan’s First Real Test: After facing weak non-conference schedules in recent years, Michigan faces its first ranked non-conference opponent since 2019. The Wolverines are underdogs at home for the first time since 2021.

Texas Riding High: The Longhorns are coming off an impressive 52-0 shutout win over Colorado State and look to build on last year’s College Football Playoff appearance.

Quarterback Contrast: Texas has the edge with experienced QB Quinn Ewers, while Michigan turns to former walk-on Davis Warren in just his second start.

Strength vs. Strength: Michigan’s run-heavy offense will try to establish dominance against Texas’ stout defensive front.

Big Play Potential: Texas’ explosive offense, led by coach Steve Sarkisian, will test Michigan’s aggressive defense under new coordinator Wink Martindale.

Players To Watch

Michigan

QB Davis Warren

RB Donovan Edwards

TE Colston Loveland

LB Jaishawn Barham

CB Will Johnson

Texas

QB Quinn Ewers

WR Isaiah Bond

RB Jaydon Blue

LB Anthony Hill Jr.

Edge Trey Moore

Keys to the Game

Michigan’s Ground Game: The Wolverines must establish their running attack early to control the clock and keep Texas’ offense off the field.

Quarterback Play: Can Davis Warren keep pace with Quinn Ewers and make enough plays to keep Michigan competitive?

Limiting Big Plays: Michigan’s defense needs to contain Texas’ explosive receivers and prevent chunk plays.

Trenches Battle: The matchup between Michigan’s offensive line and Texas’ defensive front could decide the game.

Special Teams: In a potentially close game, kickers Dominic Zvada (Michigan) and Bert Auburn (Texas) could play crucial roles.

Prediction

While Michigan has a home-field advantage and a solid recent track record, Texas has the edge in talent and quarterback play. The Longhorns’ experience in big games, including last year’s win at Alabama, gives them a slight advantage.

Texas 27, Michigan 24

This game has the potential to be an instant classic and could significantly impact both teams’ College Football Playoff aspirations.

Other early games we’re watching:

Arkansas at Oklahoma State

Location: Stillwater, Oklahoma

Time: Noon Eastern; 9:00 am Pacific

Television: ABC

Kansas State at Tulane

Location: New Orleans, Louisiana

Time: Noon Eastern; 9:00 am Pacific

Television: ESPN

Afternoon Featured Game: Baylor at Utah

Location: Salt Lake City, Utah

Game Time: 3:30 p.m. Eastern; 12:30 p.m. Pacific

Television: Fox

In a unique non-conference matchup between two Big 12 teams, the Baylor Bears (1-0) travel to Salt Lake City to face the No. 11 Utah Utes (1-0) at Rice-Eccles Stadium on Saturday, September 7, 2024. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. MT on FOX.

Key Storylines

Big 12 Homecoming: Although both teams are now in the Big 12, this game counts as non-conference because it was scheduled years ago when Utah was still in the Pac-12.

Return of the Stars: Utah’s quarterback Cam Rising and tight end Brant Kuithe made impressive returns from injury in week one, connecting for three touchdowns.

Baylor’s Revenge: The Bears look to avenge last year’s close 20-13 loss to Utah in Waco.

Defensive Shift: Baylor head coach Dave Aranda has taken over defensive coordinator duties, which could lead to schematic changes.

Home Field Advantage: Utah has won 32 of their last 34 home games and boasts an 84-game sellout streak at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

Players to Watch

Baylor

QB Dequan Finn

WR Ketron Jackson Jr.

RB Richard Reese

LB Matt Jones

DL Garmon Randolph

Utah

QB Cameron Rising

TE Brant Kuithe

RB Dijon Stanley

DT Junior Tafuna

CB Smith Snowden

Keys to the Game

Quarterback Play: Can Baylor’s Dequan Finn match the efficiency and production of Utah’s Cam Rising?

Establishing the Run: Both teams will look to improve their ground games after somewhat lackluster performances in week one.

Defensive Adjustments: How will Baylor’s defense, now led by Dave Aranda, contain Utah’s potent offense?

Special Teams Impact: Kickers Bert Auburn (Baylor) and Dominic Zvada (Utah) could play crucial roles in a potentially close game.

Limiting Turnovers: Both teams had turnover issues in their openers and will need to protect the ball better in this matchup.

Coaches’ Perspectives

Baylor’s Dave Aranda: “We’ve got something to prove. I think that we got a bunch of guys that want to win and want to achieve and want to be that team, and we know that the team we’re playing is kind of that team. And so we have to be able to show up with our best.”

Utah’s Kyle Whittingham: “We were fortunate to get out of there with a win last year. We haven’t forgotten that. It was a right down to the wire game. We have to prepare the right way all week long, just like we do every single week and be ready for a fight because that’s what it’s going to be.”

Prediction

While Baylor showed promise in their opener, Utah’s experience, home-field advantage, and the return of key players give them the edge. Expect a closer game than the odds suggest, but Utah should come out on top.

Utah 31, Baylor 24

This game will be a critical early-season test for both teams and could have significant implications for their respective Big 12 and national title aspirations.

Other Mid-Day Games We’re Watching

Iowa State at Iowa

Location: Iowa City, Iowa

Game Time: 3:30 Eastern; 12:30 Pacific

Television: CBS

Michigan State at Maryland

Location: College Park, Maryland

Game Time: 3:30 Eastern; 12:30 Pacific

Television: BTN – Big Ten Network

Night Game: Boise State at Oregon

Location: Eugene, Oregon

Time: 10:00 PM Eastern; 7:00 pm Pacific

Television: Peacock

In a compelling non-conference matchup, the Boise State Broncos (1-0) travel to Eugene to face the No. 7 Oregon Ducks (1-0) at Autzen Stadium on Saturday, September 7, 2024. Kickoff is set for 7 PM PT and will be broadcast on Peacock.

Key Storylines

Oregon’s Offensive Struggles: The Ducks look to bounce back from a lackluster offensive performance in their 24-14 win over Idaho.

Boise State’s Upset Bid: The Broncos aim to continue their historical success against Oregon, having won all three previous meetings.

Ashton Jeanty’s Momentum: Boise State’s running back comes off a record-breaking 267-yard, six-touchdown performance against Georgia Southern.

Ducks’ National Championship Aspirations: Oregon enters the season with high expectations as it prepares for its inaugural Big Ten season.

Coaching Chess Match: Dan Lanning’s defense vs. Dirk Koetter’s offense could be the key tactical battle of the game.

Players to Watch

Boise State

RB Ashton Jeanty

QB Maddux Madsen

WR Prince Strachan

DT Braxton Fely

Oregon

QB Dillon Gabriel

RB Jordan James

WRs Tez Johnson and Evan Stewart

CB Jabbar Muhammad

Keys to the Game

Oregon’s Offensive Line Performance: The Ducks’ O-line struggled against Idaho and faces a tough test against Boise State’s front seven.

Explosive Plays: Oregon’s offense lacked big plays in week one, and limiting explosive plays will be crucial for Boise State’s defense.

Boise State’s Passing Game: The Broncos need to use their size advantage at receiver against Oregon’s smaller secondary.

Containing Ashton Jeanty: Oregon’s front seven will be tested by Boise State’s star running back.

Special Teams and Trick Plays: Boise State may need to steal points through special teams or trick plays in a potential upset bid.

Coaches’ Perspectives

Oregon’s Dan Lanning on fixing offensive issues: “Don’t get off schedule. Don’t end up with third and longs. Don’t shoot ourselves in the foot with penalties. If we do that, we can move the ball.”

Boise State: The Broncos will likely aim to create chaos on defense and find ways to unlock an Oregon defense that looked formidable in week one.

Injury Report

Boise State:

HB Jambres Dubar – Dealing with a nagging injury from fall camp

C Mason Randolph – Left last game with a potential arm injury. Status uncertain

Oregon:

OL Matthew Bedford – May make his Duck debut after missing the opener.

Prediction

While Boise State has the potential to keep this game competitive, especially with Ashton Jeanty’s running ability, Oregon’s talent advantage and motivation to improve from last week’s performance should prove too much for the Broncos.

Oregon 38, Boise State 24

This game will be a crucial test for both teams—Oregon will need to prove its national championship credentials, and Boise State will need to show it can compete with top-tier programs. Expect a closer game than the odds suggest, but the Ducks should pull away in the second half.

Other Late Games We’re Watching:

Texas Tech vs Washington State

Location: Pullman, Washington

Time: 7:00 pm

Television: Fox

Mississippi State vs Arizona State

Location: Tempe, Arizona

Time: 10:30 pm Eastern, 7:30 pm Pacific

Television: ESPN

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Big 12 Non-Conference Showdown: Aranda’s Baylor Faces A True Test Against Whittingham’s Utes

Baylor Bears vs. Utah Utes: Big 12 Non-Conference Clash – Deep Dive

Game Details

  • Date: Saturday, September 7, 2024
  • Time: 3:30 PM ET
  • Venue: Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, UT
  • TV: FOX
  • Spread: Utah -14.5
  • Over/Under: 54.5

The Unique Circumstance

In a scheduling quirk that exemplifies the rapidly changing landscape of college football, the Baylor Bears and Utah Utes find themselves in an unusual situation. Despite being a member of the Big 12 conference in 2024, this game will not count toward conference standings. The matchup was scheduled years ago when Utah was still part of the Pac-12, and rather than canceling the agreement when Utah joined the Big 12, both schools and the conference decided to honor the original non-conference arrangement.

This scenario provides an intriguing early-season test for both programs without the added pressure of conference implications. It also offers a unique opportunity for fans and analysts to gauge how these teams stack up against each other before their official conference clashes in future seasons.

Utah Utes (1-0)

Coaching Stability

Coach Kyle Whittingham enters his 21st season at Utah with an impressive 163-79 record (.674 winning percentage). His longevity and success have made Utah a model of consistency in college football. Whittingham’s teams are known for their physicality, strong defense, and adaptability to personnel strengths.

Coaches Hot Seat Metrics for Whittingham:

  • 21 Years at Utah
  • 242 Games
  • 163 Wins
  • 79 Losses
  • 0 Ties
  • .674 Winning Percentage
  • 8.38 SRS (Simple Rating System)
  • 0.56 SOS (Strength of Schedule)

These metrics underscore Whittingham’s consistent success and ability to compete against intense competition.

Season Opener Recap

Utah kicked off their 2024 campaign with a 49-0 victory over Southern Utah. While the scoreline was impressive, Whittingham and his staff are focusing on areas for improvement:

  1. Running Game: Despite 185 rushing yards, the team fell short of their goal of 5 yards per carry.
  2. Penalties: 6 penalties for 55 yards – an area targeted for cleanup.
  3. Ball Security: Two interceptions and two fumbles (though recovered) are concerns.

Key Players and Developments

  1. Cam Rising (QB): In his return from injury, Rising showcased his arm talent with 254 yards and 5 TDs in just one half of play. His health and performance are crucial to Utah’s success.
  2. Brant Kuithe (TE): Also returning from injury, Kuithe immediately re-established his connection with Rising, hauling in 3 TD passes. His presence adds another dimension to Utah’s passing attack.
  3. Dijon Stanley (RB/WR): The emergence of Stanley (3 catches, 150 yards, 2 TDs) provides Utah with a dynamic playmaker who can stress defenses in multiple ways.
  4. Offensive Line: Whittingham graded their performance as a “B+” but noted room for improvement, especially in pass protection where they allowed 9 pressures.
  5. Defense: Pitching a shutout and holding Southern Utah to just 150 total yards, the defense looks to be in midseason form already.

Offensive Strategy

Offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig has indicated a desire for a more balanced attack against Baylor. While the passing game excelled in the opener, establishing a consistent ground game will be a priority. The Utes will likely try to exploit Baylor’s defensive adjustments under Aranda’s new scheme.

Defensive Outlook

Utah’s defense, traditionally a strength under Whittingham, will face a stiffer test against Baylor’s revamped offense. The focus will be on containing Baylor’s dual-threat QB while not allowing big plays in the passing game.

Baylor Bears (1-0)

Coaching Hot Seat

Dave Aranda enters a pivotal season, with his seat cooling slightly but still warm. The move from #2 to #3 on the Coaches Hot Seat rankings indicates some faith in the program’s direction, but this game against Utah is a critical measuring stick.

Coaches Hot Seat Metrics for Aranda:

  • 4 Years at Baylor
  • 37 Games
  • 20 Wins
  • 17 Losses
  • 0 Ties
  • .541 Winning Percentage
  • 5.64 SRS (Simple Rating System)
  • 1.77 SOS (Strength of Schedule)

While Aranda’s overall record isn’t as strong as Whittingham’s, the higher SOS indicates Baylor has consistently faced tough competition.

Season Opener Analysis

Baylor started their 2024 campaign with a convincing 45-3 win over Tarleton State. Key takeaways include:

  1. Offensive Explosion: 45 points and a balanced attack show promise in new OC Jake Spavital’s system.
  2. Defensive Dominance: Holding opponents to 3 points is impressive at any level.
  3. Transfer Impact: Several transfers made immediate contributions, indicating successful portal management.

Key Players and Developments

  1. Dequan Finn (QB): The Toledo transfer showcased his dual-threat ability with a 39-yard TD run and efficient passing. His adaptation to Spavital’s system will be crucial.
  2. Richard Reese (RB): After a down year in 2023, Reese looks to recapture his freshman form in the new offensive scheme.
  3. Ketron Jackson Jr. (WR): The Arkansas transfer caught a TD in his Baylor debut, providing a new weapon in the passing game.
  4. Keaton Thomas (LB): The transfer linebacker’s pick-six in the opener highlights the potential of Aranda’s “defensive weapons” concept.
  5. Offensive Line: An area of concern, as they struggled to generate consistent push against Tarleton State’s defense.

Schematic Changes

  1. Defense: Aranda has taken over as defensive play-caller, which could lead to more aggressive and unpredictable schemes.
  2. Offense: Spavital’s “Air Raid” concepts have been integrated with Baylor’s existing system, promising a more dynamic and explosive offense.

Keys to the Game for Baylor

  1. Establish the Run: Creating a balanced attack to keep Utah’s defense honest.
  2. Pressure Rising: Trying to disrupt Utah’s passing game by pressuring Rising and disrupting his timing.
  3. Special Teams Edge: Looking for big plays in the return game to flip field position.
  4. Limit Big Plays: Preventing the explosive plays that characterized Utah’s opener.

Matchup Dynamics

  1. Utah’s O-Line vs. Baylor’s Front Seven: This battle in the trenches could decide the game. If Baylor can disrupt Utah’s run game and pressure Rising, they have a chance at the upset.
  2. Baylor’s Secondary vs. Utah’s Passing Attack: The Bears’ revamped secondary will be tested by Rising, Kuithe, and Utah’s emerging playmakers.
  3. Coaching Chess Match: Whittingham’s established system against Aranda’s new defensive approach and Spavital’s offense. In-game adjustments will be crucial.
  4. Special Teams: In what could be a closely contested game, field position and kicking game could prove decisive.
  5. Home Field Advantage: Utah’s Rice-Eccles Stadium is known for its intense atmosphere, which could impact Baylor’s communication and execution.

Prediction

While Baylor shows signs of improvement and has the potential to keep this game close, Utah’s experience, home-field advantage, and the return of key playmakers give them a significant edge. Expect a competitive first half before Utah’s depth and physicality wear down the Bears in the second half.

Utah 34, Baylor 23

This non-conference Big 12 clash should provide valuable insights into both teams’ potential for the 2024 season. For Baylor, a strong showing could further cool Aranda’s hot seat, while Utah looks to make a statement in their first game against a Big 12 opponent as a conference member. Regardless of the outcome, this game sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting season in the new-look Big 12.

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