Gameday preview and score prediction for Baylor vs. Utah

SALT LAKE CITY – Baylor vs. Utah has just begun on this beautiful afternoon at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Both teams come into the game with a win last week and are looking to improve their record to 2-0.

This is only the second time these two teams have ever met. The first time they met last season, Utah won 20-13 in Waco.

Today's clash is the rematch of a game that was originally scheduled as a non-conference game between the Pac-12 and Big 12 programs.

Want to enjoy football instead of worrying about parking and other inconveniences? Check out our comprehensive fan guide for @Utah_Football's game against the Baylor Bears! 🏈#GoUtes #Big12FB

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) 5 September 2024

Baylor vs Utah

Venue: Rice-Eccles Stadium

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

TV: FOX

Radio: ESPN Radio (AM 700)

Three thoughts on match day

1. Today is about being in business

Last week's win over Southern Utah didn't mean much given the differences between the two programs. Tonight's contest will draw a lot of interest as we'll learn a lot about each team.

Utah is the clear favorite according to many forecasters. Under Kyle Whittingham, Utah has won 33 games in a row as a double-digit favorite.

Although two Big 12 programs face each other during Big 12 Homecoming Week, this game does not count toward the conference record.

Given the high expectations placed on the program this season, a good performance in this game will go a long way in validating many of the expectations placed on this team.

In this game it's simply about survival for the Utes.

2. Lots of talk about physicality, who flexes their muscles

There was a lot of talk over the course of the week about the increased level of competition, especially the physical confrontation.

In several surprise victories over the course of the two-week season, the underdog was able to rely on its physicality and toughness to beat the stronger teams.

This will be a physical contest, and whoever flexes the most muscles – especially in the running game – will likely determine the outcome of the game.

In their Week 1 meetings last week, Baylor gained 164 yards on 43 attempts but allowed 101 yards on 41 carries. Utah gained 185 yards on 39 attempts but allowed 79 yards on 30 carries.

Coach Whittingham's program prides itself on being physical and tough. In this game, they will demand more from the offensive and defensive line. These two position groups will set the tone for the game.

3. Excited to see more of the offense

Utah made major offensive reinforcements this offseason. The offense should no longer be as dependent on one or two players as it has been in the past.

The last time they took the field, the Utes walked away with a 49-0 victory. Utah ran 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 at an impressive 7.9 yards per play.

But there is much more to see from the offensive, and it starts today.

RELATED TOPICS: Three keys to Utah football's win over Baylor Bears

Dorian Singer had minimal opportunities last week. He should be the focal point this time around. Perhaps the same goes for other offseason additions like Carsen Ryan and Damien Alford, but at least Singer should have a bigger presence this week.

Cam Rising looked good with his decision-making last week, he will need to be even better this time. Properly identifying how and where to attack Baylor's defense and then making the right decisions will be a big factor.

Two questions about Baylor vs. Utah

1. What does Utah's defensive secondary look like after the changes?

After losing Kenan Johnson in Week 1, Utah had to reshuffle the deck in the secondary. Utah has options and it will be interesting to see how things unfold.

Considered the first choice to take most of the snaps on the outside, Smith Snowden is a fantastic cornerback whose playmaking skills are reminiscent of one of Utah's recent great cornerbacks.

Elijah Davis will also play a role at the outside position if Utah needs to use Snowden in the slot. Cam Calhoun has returned from an offseason injury but may not be quite ready for a heavy workload.

Tao Johnson made the move from nickel to free safety this offseason, so there's familiarity there as well. That could mean an increased number of three safeties on the field, along with Alaka'i Gilman and Nate Ritchie.

RELATED TOPICS: Utah Football Finds Answers at Cornerback

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

There is no doubt that Baylor QB Dequan Finn is a dynamic dual-threat quarterback, having accumulated over 7,000 passing yards and 1,800 rushing yards in his career.

Utah has had some great quarterbacks in recent years, but Finn is special. He may not have the passing ability of others, but he is dynamic with the ball in his hands. That ability was evident on Baylor's first touchdown of the season – a 39-yard run to an option keeper.

Like any other quarterback, Finn struggled under pressure, but he struggled just as much when he wasn't facing a blitz. He finished the game with 2 interceptions, but also had 3 other turnover-worthy throws (1 INT and 2 TWTs happened when he wasn't blitzed).

Morgan Scalley has developed some great game plans over the last few years, and it will be interesting to see how he attacks Finn in the pocket and defends the passing game in coverage.

A score prediction for Baylor vs Utah

Dave Aranda's Bears are looking to bounce back after a rough 2023 season and actually seem to have improved from last season. That's evident in the talent, but there are also signs that there have been improvements in game plan and play calling.

However, Utah is the clear favorite in this game for good reason. They have the top talent and roster depth to compete at a high level.

After a nice welcome party last week, Utah approaches this game with a no-nonsense attitude.

The game will be more exciting than my score suggests, but the Utes did it.

Utah 38, Baylor 17

The Utah football team’s conference schedule can be found here.

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

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