No. 11 Utes Look to Best Baylor in Week 2

Sep 6, 20243 min read

The No. 11 Utah Utes (1-0) take on the Baylor Bears (1-0) in an exciting Week 2 matchup. While both teams are in the same conference, this game will be played as a nonconference matchup at 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 7 at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Utes and Bears played in 2023 as well, with Utah leaving Waco, Texas victorious. Utah looks to repeat that performance.

What's at Stake?

The Utes seek to prove they can replicate the efficiency they delivered in their opener against Southern Utah (0-1) while up against higher-level competition. Quarterback Cam Rising and tight end Brant Kuithe were amazing in their returns from injuries last week, but both need to play well against a Power Four team. The Utes are on pace to be the best in the Big 12 Conference, and a loss at home against an inferior Baylor team would dash that aspiration. A win would keep them on their trajectory to capture a Big 12 title.

Coming off a disappointing 3-9 campaign in 2023, the Bears hope to show significant improvement this season. While a loss would not be the end of the world for the Bears, an upset victory would have major ramifications, catapulting Baylor toward success and potentially derailing the Utes.

Key Utah Utes

The Baylor pass defense has struggled, so the Utes should look to get the ball in the air. Transfer wide receiver Dorian Singer and Rising could be a dynamic duo, and this game presents the perfect opportunity for them to click. The former USC Trojans WR left Sothern Cal's talented wide receiver room and has the potential to be a major threat, paired with Rising.

On defense, look for standout performances from cornerback Smith Snowden and defensive lineman Junior Tafuna. Snowden showed out in Week 1 with 4 tackles, including 2 tackles for a loss, and the Utes hope the sophomore can produce like that more often. Tafuna is a wrecking ball and will be key for the Utes on defense all season long.

Key Baylor Bears

The Bears' offense has improved since last season. Toldeo transfer QB Dequan Finn fits the offense well, adding a much-needed spark. In Week 1, Finn threw for 192 yards, 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. The Bears QB will have to cut down on the turnovers and otherwise play well if Baylor is to hang around with the Utes. In 2023, Finn racked up 22 touchdowns against only 9 interceptions, meaning his current 1:1 touchdown-to-interception ratio shouldn't be considered a measuring stick of what's to come.

On defense, the duo of linebacker Keaton Thomas and defensive lineman Jackie Marshall will be key in this fight with Utah. Both had an impressive Week 1, and the Bears need them to have a great Week 2. Thomas came up with 4 tackles and an interception last week. Marshall was tough for anyone to get around, racking up 4 total tackles as well.

Trends to Watch

The Utah Utes are trending upward. After rising one spot in the AP Poll, the Utes look to take care of business in Week 2. While this game doesn't count toward Big 12 conference records, getting the first win against a conference opponent is always significant. The Bears are also trending up. They addressed some needs this offseason and look to get back on track in the Big 12.