In a commanding display, Utah faced off against Colorado at Rice-Eccles Stadium on Saturday, October 25, 2025, securing a decisive 53-7 victory. The game showcased Utah’s offensive prowess and defensive might, as they improved their overall season record to 6-2 and their Big 12 record to 3-2, while Colorado dropped to 3-5 and 1-4 in conference play.
Freshman QB Byrd Ficklin Steals the Spotlight
True freshman quarterback Byrd Ficklin made his first career start for Utah, stepping in for the injured Devon Dampier. He immediately made an impact with a remarkable 63-yard touchdown run on just the second play of the game. This run marked the longest by a true freshman in his first start and the longest for a Utes player this season.
Ficklin finished the night with impressive stats, including:
- 151 rushing yards on 20 attempts, the highest by any quarterback in the program since 1996.
- Two passing touchdowns: a 22-yard pass to freshman JJ Buchanan and a 21-yard completion to Larry Simmons.
- A total of 140 passing yards on 10-of-22 attempts.
Defensive Dominance
Utah’s defense played a crucial role in the team’s victory, relentlessly pressuring Colorado’s offense. At halftime, Colorado had accumulated a mere -18 total yards. The Utes recorded:
- 13 tackles for loss.
- Seven sacks.
- Four pass breakups.
Linebacker Jonathan Hall stood out with five total tackles, two sacks, and two tackles for loss. The defensive strategy, particularly in the first half, involved aggressive blitzing that kept Colorado’s starting quarterback, Kaidon Salter, struggling throughout the game. Salter’s night ended with just 37 passing yards, 9-of-22 completions, and an interception.
Key Highlights of the Game
The game featured several pivotal moments that showcased Utah’s athleticism and team effort:
- A 58-yard rushing touchdown by Wayshawn Parker.
- A blocked punt by Jackson Bennee, which was recovered near Colorado’s end zone.
- A safety when Salter was penalized for intentional grounding in his own end zone.
Utah scored 43 points in the first half, leaving little room for Colorado to mount any significant comeback. Despite a brief drive into Utah territory after halftime, Colorado ultimately failed to convert on a crucial fourth-and-1 attempt.
Conclusion
In the final moments of the game, Colorado managed to break the shutout with a 1-yard rushing touchdown from backup QB Ryan Staub. Ultimately, Utah’s performance, especially from freshman QB Byrd Ficklin, was a clear indication of their potential as they look to build momentum for the rest of the season.
