Utah State showcased immense dominance over Colorado in a game that highlighted the Buffaloes’ struggles under head coach Deion Sanders. The Utes secured a commanding 53-7 victory at Rice-Eccles Stadium, further emphasizing the need for Colorado to rebuild its football program.
Game Highlights and Key Stats
The game commenced with a stunning 63-yard touchdown run by true freshman quarterback Byrd Ficklin. This early score set the tone for a mismatch between the teams, with Utah quickly building a significant lead. By the end of the first quarter, Utah led 17-0.
Key statistics from the game include:
- Total yards: Utah 587, Colorado 149
- Rushing yards: Utah 422, Colorado 47
- Passing yards: Utah 165, Colorado 102
Colorado Struggles
Colorado’s offense performed dismally, managing only 140 yards, marking the team’s lowest output since 2021. The Buffaloes faced difficulty throughout the game, with quarterback Kaidon Salter completing just 9 of 22 passes for a mere 37 yards. He also rushed for negative yards due to multiple sacks.
Outstanding Performance by Utah
Byrd Ficklin’s efforts were instrumental in Utah’s success, showcasing impressive abilities as he finished the evening with:
- 140 passing yards
- 151 rushing yards
- Two total touchdowns
Ficklin’s performance was complemented by running back Wayshawn Parker, who added 145 rushing yards and a touchdown run of 58 yards.
Score Breakdown
The scoring relayed throughout the game was indicative of an overwhelming performance by Utah:
| Quarter | Utah | Colorado |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 17 | 0 |
| 2nd | 26 | 0 |
| 3rd | 3 | 0 |
| 4th | 7 | 7 |
| Total | 53 | 7 |
Conclusion
Utah’s victory not only marked a significant win over Colorado but also served as a reminder of the challenges the Buffaloes face in redefining their football legacy. As the season progresses, Coach Prime and his team will need to regroup and find ways to improve and compete effectively.
