True freshman quarterback Byrd Ficklin broke open the game with touchdown runs of 67 and 74 yards, and No. 15 Utah powered past Baylor 55-28 on Saturday. A third straight win for the Utes in Big 12 play.
Ficklin finished with 166 yards on six carries, breaking his own Utah quarterback rushing record. And became the first freshman QB in school history with seven rushing touchdowns.
His first snap came early in the second quarter, and he immediately sprinted through the left side for a 67-yard score that put Utah ahead 21-7. His 74-yard burst midway through the third quarter pushed the lead to 35-20.
“Byrd Ficklin was probably the biggest catalyst for us,” Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said. “He’s got a bright future and he’s really provided a spark for us.”
Wayshawn Parker added a 64-yard touchdown and ran for 129 yards, his third straight 100-yard game, as the Utes (8-2, 5-2 Big 12, No. 13 CFP) piled up 380 rushing yards and produced three 60-plus scoring plays.
Devon Dampier threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Dallen Bentley. Elijah Davis returned an interception 65 yards to give Utah a 14-0 first-quarter lead.
Baylor (5-5, 3-4) totaled 563 yards but lost for the third time in four games. Big 12 passing leader Sawyer Robertson threw for 430 yards and three touchdowns, while Josh Cameron had 13 catches for 165 yards and two scores.
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