Utah Utes Overwhelm Colorado with Dominant Victory in Ficklin’s Debut

Utah’s freshman quarterback Byrd Ficklin made an impressive debut as a starter, leading the Utes to a resounding 53-7 victory over the Colorado Buffaloes on October 21, 2023. The game, held at Rice-Eccles Stadium, showcased Ficklin’s abilities, particularly highlighted by a stunning 63-yard touchdown run on just the second play of the game.

Ficklin stepped in for usual starter Devon Dampier, who missed the game due to an ankle injury he sustained the previous week against BYU. Although Dampier was available to play, Utah opted to rest him ahead of a crucial matchup against Cincinnati in the following week. “Had he felt up to the task in pregame then it would’ve been a tough decision to make, but he was not feeling it,” said Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham. The decision allowed Ficklin to take the reins of the offense, a move that proved successful.

From the outset, Ficklin’s performance was electric. After faking a handoff, he sprinted 63 yards for a touchdown, marking the longest touchdown run by a Ute freshman starting quarterback. “When he told me he had trust in me to lead the team and to play ball, I felt like I was comfortable,” Ficklin recalled about Dampier’s encouraging words before the game.

Defensive Dominance Sets the Tone

Utah’s defense played a critical role in the overwhelming win. The Utes established their dominance in the first half, with their defensive front consistently overpowering Colorado’s offensive line. Defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley unleashed a fierce blitzing strategy, leading to five sacks of Colorado quarterback Kaidon Salter in the first half alone. Colorado struggled to gain momentum, managing only nine drives with their longest taking a mere 3:12 off the clock.

By halftime, Utah had built a commanding lead of 43-0, with a staggering yardage advantage of 398 to -18 for Colorado. Whittingham noted, “It was offense, defense, special teams all hitting on all cylinders. Very few negative things at all.” The Utes also secured a safety when Salter was flagged for intentional grounding in the end zone, further emphasizing their control of the game.

The Colorado offense struggled to find any rhythm throughout the first half. They rushed for just 38 yards on 38 attempts, unable to effectively challenge Utah’s formidable defense. Whittingham commented on the game plan, stating, “If we’re going to get beat, we’re going to get beat with a throw game and not the rush game,” highlighting their strategic focus on neutralizing Colorado’s ground game.

Ficklin Finds His Rhythm

Ficklin’s early success set a high bar, but he faced challenges as the game progressed. After his spectacular opening run, the young quarterback encountered some difficulties, notably a three-and-out on his second drive. However, he soon found his footing, completing 10 of 22 passes for one touchdown while also leading the Utes in rushing with 151 yards on 20 carries.

Whittingham praised Ficklin’s performance, noting, “He ran the ball efficiently and made enough good throws.” Ficklin’s passing game came alive in the second quarter when he connected with tight end JJ Buchanan for a 22-yard touchdown pass, followed by another touchdown to Larry Simmons that pushed the score to 40-0.

Utah’s ground game was equally impressive, amassing a total of 422 rushing yards. Running back Wayshawn Parker contributed significantly, rushing for 145 yards and a touchdown, including a remarkable 58-yard sprint that showcased his speed.

This victory was crucial for Utah, especially following their loss to BYU the previous week. The Utes demonstrated resilience, bouncing back to secure a dominant win and improve their record to 6-2 overall and 3-2 in the Big 12. Whittingham expressed pride in his team’s response, stating, “It was a great response to our disappointment last week.”

With the win, Utah is poised to reenter the Associated Press Top 25 and will face Cincinnati next week in a highly anticipated matchup. The Utes not only solidified their bowl eligibility but also showcased their potential for a significant turnaround from last season.