Utah dominated the Bears for its third straight win.
(Julio Cortez | AP) Utah quarterback Devon Dampier (4) attempts a pass as Baylor linebacker Emar’Rion Winston applies pressure during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in Waco, Texas.
Waco, Texas • The last time Kyle Whittingham’s Utes were here, the sun was beating down on them and the rubber was melting off their cleats.
On Saturday night, it was Utah turning up the heat.
With their Big 12 championship and College Football Playoff hopes on the line, the No. 13 Utes blistered the Baylor Bears, winning 55-28.
“Proud of our guys,” Whittingham said. “There was a lot of back and forth there for a while, but we just kept at it and answered the bell every time.
“Credit Baylor, that is a scrappy team and the quarterback is real weapon. That’s the best receiving core we’ve seen all year, there’s no question about that. Tight ends are outstanding. And so they have a lot going for them, particularly on offense, but our guys were dialed in tonight.”
Beating Baylor
Starting quarterback Devon Dampier finished the game with two passing touchdowns and only needed 80 passing yards to get there.
Freshman phenom Byrd Ficklin was a major catalyst in Utah’s win, rushing the ball six times for 166 yards. Ficklin had two explosive runs — one that went 67 yards and another for 74 — that went for touchdowns. It’s the second time Muskogee, Okla., native has rushed over 100 yards this season.
After a slow offensive start, Dampier and the Utes found their groove during their third series. The junior quarterback connected with tight end Dallen Bentley for a 25-yard touchdown with 4:50 left in the first quarter.
“Byrd Ficklin was probably the biggest catalyst for us when we needed it,” Whittingham said. “He provided two huge runs for us, and and he’s a guy that’s just a pretty good football player. I don’t know what to say. He’s got a bright future, as I’ve said several times before, and he’s just really provided a spark for us.”
Ute cornerback Scooby Davis added to Utah’s lead with a 65-yard pick-six courtesy of Baylor quarterback Sawyer Robertson, giving the U. a 14-0 lead with 11 seconds remaining in the first quarter.
Robertson responded with a 75-yard drive, capping it off with a 1-yard score and bringing the Bears within a touchdown. That’s when Ficklin joined in on the action a drive later, streaking to pay dirt on a 67-yard run.
Baylor later converted a field goal before running back Wayshawn Parker sprinted to the end zone for a 64-yard run to give the Utes a 28-10 lead with 4:28 left until the half.
The Bears kept within striking distance. Just before halftime, the Utes followed a three-and-out with a bad punt. That allowed Robertson to find wide receiver Josh Cameron, shrinking Utah’s lead to a 28-17 margin at the half.
Utah’s tackling struggles continued at the start of the second half. Led by Robertson, Baylor’s offense went on a 10-play, 63-yard drive that ended with a 31-yard field goal, bringing the Bears within eight points.
But Ficklin didn’t let the Bears stay in the game much longer after that. A drive later, the freshman quarterback sprinted and stiff-armed his way to a 74-yard touchdown. Running back NaQuari Rodgers added to Utah’s lead with a 3-yard touchdown seven minutes later.
“He’s maturing and becoming more seasoned every single week,” Whittingham said of Ficklin. “He’s responded well every single time he’s been in the game.
“The moment is not too big for Byrd. He’s going to be really good.”
Following an interception from linebacker Trey Reynolds, Dampier iced the game with his second touchdown pass of the night, giving Utah a 49-20 lead with 10:20 remaining in the fourth quarter.
Next, the Utes will return to Rice-Eccles Stadium to take on Kansas State (5-5, 4-3) on Saturday in Salt Lake City.
The big picture
With the win, Utes improved to 8-2 on the year.
While Texas Tech and BYU lead the Big 12 with one conference loss apiece, the Utes remain in the conference title race. Arizona State, Arizona, Houston and Cincinnati also have two losses in conference play.
Utah needs to win its final two games of the season — and get help elsewhere — to reach the conference title game.
Even if the Utes can’t fight their way back into the Big 12 championship picture, there remains a possibility they could get an invite to the College Football Playoff.
Utah came in at No. 13 in last week’s CFP rankings, which would be just outside the 12-team playoff picture.
But No. 10 Texas lost to No. 5 Georgia on Saturday. The Longhorns’ third loss of the season could drop them in the rankings and open the door a little wider for Utah and the teams currently on the outside looking in.