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Utah Leans on Freshman QB Byrd Ficklin, Rolls Baylor as Big 12 Honors Follow

Kyle Whittingham is balancing a limited Devon Dampier with targeted snaps for Byrd Ficklin to sustain Utah’s run-first identity.

Overview

  • Utah beat Baylor 55-28 in Waco to move to 8-2 overall and 5-2 in the Big 12, extending its win streak to three.
  • True freshman Byrd Ficklin delivered touchdown runs of 67 and 74 yards and finished with 166 rushing yards on six carries.
  • The Utes piled up 380 rushing yards as the offensive line won Big 12 Offensive Line of the Week and Ficklin earned Freshman of the Week.
  • Starter Devon Dampier played through a lower-body issue, with Whittingham saying he likely wouldn’t have been available without the bye and will be managed in practice.
  • Utah allowed 568 yards of offense, including 430 passing, underscoring a defensive concern as it chases a Big 12 title game berth with Kansas State up next.