The initial availability report for Saturday's Big 12 matchup between Utah and Colorado validated what Kyle Whittingham had to say about his team's quarterback

Junior quarterback Devon Dampier popped up on the availability report Wednesday night as "questionable," which will fuel the possibility of Ficklin, a true freshman, starting against Colorado (8:15 p.m. MDT, ESPN) in a game the Utes must win to keep their fading Big 12 championship game hopes alive.

The Big 12 did the Cougars zero favors with the back end of the schedule and, in particular, with this week’s assignment: They hit the road to face one of the best teams in the conference, Iowa State, which is coming off a bye.

There was a lot more than just in-state bragging rights at stake when Utah and BYU took the field in last Saturday's pivotal Holy War matchup at LaVell Edwards

With thunderstorms rolling through the Wasatch Front Saturday evening ahead of the 8:20 p.m. kickoff, pregame festivities have been delayed, per the Utah athletic department. Warmups were due to begin at 7:20 p.m., but with the weather, they will not start until at least 7:50 p.m.

The Cougars played a cleaner game than the Utes and scored back-to-back fourth-quarter touchdowns to take control against Utah. The clincher was a 22-yard touchdown run from Bear Bachmeier on third-and-11 with 4:22 to play. The Cougars now have three straight wins over the Utes.

Ranking among the top 12 teams in the country in efficiency and points allowed, Utah's defense through the first seven games of the 2025 campaign has generally

What to know about Big 12 Conference teams in updated college football rankings for Coaches Poll and AP Top 25 poll after college football Week 7.

Utah’s longtime head coach might retire at the end of the season and needs a victory Saturday to open a path to the Big 12 title.

Wall was named the Big 12’s Defensive Player of the Week, while Bachmeier earned Freshman of the Week honors for the fifth time.