Overview
- Utah opened with true freshman Byrd Ficklin at QB after Devon Dampier reinjured his ankle against BYU; coaches said Dampier was available but opted for the healthier starter.
- Big 12 availability reports shifted Dampier from questionable to probable on Friday following practice progress earlier in the week.
- Ficklin took first-team reps during the week and has been efficient in limited duty this season, going 9-for-9 passing for 138 yards with 111 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
- Wide receiver Tobias Merriweather and defensive tackle Dallas Vakalahi were ruled out, and linebacker Lander Barton must miss the first half because of a targeting penalty from the BYU game.
- Utah entered the matchup planning to emphasize its rushing attack, and betting lines tightened to roughly Utes -12.5 during the quarterback uncertainty.