Baylor vs Utah: Game Day Preview Plus Score Prediction

SALT LAKE CITY – Baylor vs Utah is just about underway on a beautiful afternoon at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Both teams come into the game off a win last week and are looking to improve to 2-0.

This is only the second matchup between these two programs all-time. In the very first matchup, Utah won the first matchup last season 20-13 in Waco.

Today’s matchup is the return game of what was previously contracted as a non-conference game between Pac-12 and Big 12 programs.

Want to enjoy football instead of worrying about parking and other nuisances? Check out our comprehensive fan guide for @Utah_Football's game against the Baylor Bears! 🏈#GoUtes #Big12FB https://t.co/Isk4fzeSP1

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) September 5, 2024

Baylor vs Utah

Location: Rice-Eccles Stadium

Kickoff: 1:30 p.m. (MDT)

TV: FOX

Radio: ESPN Radio (AM 700)

Three Game Day Thoughts

1. Today is about standing on business

Last week’s win over Southern Utah didn’t move the needle much given the difference between the two respective programs. Today’s contest will be met with a great deal of interest, as we will learn a lot about each team.

Utah is the heavy favorite according to many prognosticators. Under Kyle Whittingham, Utah has won 33 straight games as a double-digit favorite.

Despite the matchup of two Big 12 programs playing during Big 12 Homecoming Week, this game doesn’t count toward the conference record.

Given the high expectations around the program this season. A good performance in this one will do a lot to validate a lot of beliefs around this team.

This game is simply about standing on business for the Utes.

2. Lots of talk about physicality, who flexes the muscle 

There’s been a lot of talk throughout the week about the increased level of competition. It’s largely centered around the physicality of the matchup.

In a few upsets through two weeks of action, the underdog has relied on physicality and toughness to beat the more talented teams.

This will be a physical contest, who flexes the most muscle- particularly in the run game, will likely determine the outcome of the game.

In their week one matchups, Baylor gained 164 rushing yards on 43 attempts last week, while allowing 101 yards on 41 rushes. Utah picked up 185 yards on 39 attempts, while giving up 79 yards on 30 rushes.

Coach Whittingham’s program prides itself on being a physical and tough program. They will need more of it from the offensive and defensive lines in this one. These two position groups will set the tone for the game.

3. Excited to see more of the offense

Utah made big additions on the offensive side of the ball this offseason. The offense shouldn’t be as dependent on one or two guys for the bulk of production as it’s been in the past.

When they last stepped on the field, the Utes walked away with a 49-0 victory. Utah ended up running for 185 yards on 39 attempts, while two quarterbacks combined to throw for 318 yards. The Utes finished the game with 513 yards while running 65 plays for an impressive 7.9 yds per play.

Yet, there is so much more to see from the offense and it starts today.

RELATED:Three Keys To Victory For Utah Football Against Baylor Bears

Dorian Singer saw minimal opportunity last week. He should be a point of focus in this one. Perhaps the same goes for other offseason additions like Carsen Ryan and Damien Alford, but Singer at the very least should have a bigger presence this week.

Cam Rising looked sharp in his decision-making last week, he’ll need to be even sharper in this one. Properly identifying how and where to attack this Baylor defense and then executing will be a big factor in this one.

Two Baylor vs Utah Questions

1. What does Utah’s defensive secondary look like after shuffling things around?

After the loss of Kenan Johnson in week one, Utah has had to reshuffle the deck in the secondary. There are options for Utah and how things shake out will be interesting to follow.

Smith Snowden is believed to be the primary option to assume the majority of snaps on the outside. He’s a fantastic cornerback, who has the playmaking chops reminiscent of a recent great Utah cornerback.

Elijah Davis will also factor into the mix outside when Utah needs to utilize Snowden in the slot. Cam Calhoun has returned from an offseason injury but may not be completely ready for a big workload.

Tao Johnson made the move to free safety from nickel this offseason, so there is familiarity there as well. That could mean there will be an increased amount of three safeties on the field together with Alaka’i Gilman and Nate Ritchie.

RELATED: Utah Football Finding Answers At Cornerback

2. How does Utah make things difficult for Baylor quarterback Dequan Finn?

There’s no question that Baylor QB Dequan Finn is a dynamic dual-threat quarterback. He’s amassed over 7,000 yards and 1,800 rushing yards in his career.

Utah has faced some great quarterbacks in recent years but Finn is a little unique. He may not have the passing prowess of others but he is dynamic with the ball in his hands. That ability was apparent on Baylor’s first touchdown of the season- a 39-yard run on an option-keeper.

Just like any other quarterback, Finn struggled under pressure but he struggled just as much when not facing a blitz. He finished with 2 interceptions but also had 3 other turnover-worthy throws (1 INT & 2 TWTs happened when not blitzed).

Morgan Scalley has put together some great game plans in recent years. How he chooses to attack Finn in the pocket and defend the passing game in coverage will be fascinating to follow.

One Score Prediction for Baylor vs Utah

Dave Aranda’s Bears are looking to bounce back after a rough 2023 campaign and they do appear to be improved from last season. That is apparent in the talent there are also indications that there have been improvements in scheme and playcalling.

However, Utah is the heavy favorite in this one for a reason. They have the necessary top-flight talent and depth throughout the roster to compete at a high level.

After a good welcome-back party last week, Utah approaches this game with a business-like mentality.

The game will be more competitive than my score prediction might indicate but the Utes earn this one.

Utah 38, Baylor 17

You can find Utah football’s conference schedule here.

Steve Bartle is the Utah insider for KSL Sports. He hosts The Utah Blockcast (SUBSCRIBE) and appears on KSL Sports Zone to break down the Utes. You can follow him on X for the latest Utah updates and game analysis.

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