No. 17 Utah takes its Big 12 title hopes and fringe College Football Playoff bid on the road outside the state for the first time in nearly two months when it visits Baylor on Saturday night.
The Utes (7-2, 4-2 Big 12) have surged behind one of the nation’s most balanced statistical profiles. Utah ranks 11th nationally in total offense (477.2 yards per game) and third in rushing (267.1), powered by Wayshawn Parker’s 607 yards and five touchdowns.
Utah quarterback Devon Dampier continues to grow into the job, throwing for 1,588 yards and 15 touchdowns while adding a consistent dual-threat element. The Utes' defense remain among the nation’s best, allowing just 14.2 points per game, which is eighth in the FBS and ranking sixth in pass defense.
Baylor (5-4, 3-3) come into the game with one of the country’s most prolific passing attacks. Sawyer Robertson has thrown for 2,780 yards and 26 touchdowns, spearheading an offense averaging 454.0 yards per game. Tight end Michael Trigg leads the Bears with 607 receiving yards. But Baylor’s turnover issues, with a minus-eight margin that ranks 122nd nationally. The struggles on third down and time of possession could be a factor against a Utah team that thrives in both areas.
The Bears routed UCF 30-3 on Nov. 1, while Utah took care of Cincinnati 45-14 behind 317 yards of offense from Dampier and Parker.
The matchup comes amid a possible administrative turnover in Waco. Baylor athletic director and CFP chairman Mack Rhoades is on a leave of absence following allegations of verbal and physical altercations involving a player and an assistant coach.
The school is reportedly reviewing allegations and Rhoades did not appear at a scheduled booster event this week. Utah AD Mark Harlan has replaced him on the CFP committee.
Utah hits the road to Waco on Saturday (7 p.m. ET, ESPN2).
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