Saturday’s matchup between Utah and Iowa State promises to bring excitement and stakes that could ripple through the Big 12 championship race. While the Utes (4-6, 1-6 Big 12) are out of the running in their inaugural season in the conference, Iowa State (8-2, 5-2 Big 12) has a chance to clinch their first Big 12 title. The Cyclones are entering the game with their eyes firmly set on the prize, but they’ll need more than just wins to get there.
Iowa State’s Path to the Big 12 Title
Ranked No. 22, Iowa State must first win its final two games—starting with Utah and ending with Kansas State. But victory alone isn’t enough. Their hopes rest on a straightforward yet precarious scenario: if both Colorado and BYU drop one of their remaining two games, the Cyclones could find themselves in the title game. Head coach Matt Campbell knows the stakes, and his team is prepared to leave it all on the field.
“They’re battling for a spot in the conference championship game, so we’re going to get everything they have,” Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham acknowledged.
BYU’s Unexpected Role
Adding an intriguing twist to the narrative, BYU fans will find themselves rooting for an unlikely ally this weekend. If the Cougars beat Arizona State and Utah manages to upset Iowa State, it paves the way for BYU’s entry into the Big 12 championship. For Utah’s bitter rival, cheering for the Utes might feel strange, but the stakes make it unavoidable.
Senior Day at Rice-Eccles Stadium
For Utah, this game represents something different. It’s their final home game of the season, and emotions will be high as the team honors at least 25 seniors and juniors during Senior Day ceremonies. This group, shaped by the challenges of pandemic-era eligibility rules and injuries, has been central to some of the program’s greatest successes, including back-to-back Pac-12 championships.
“To honor those guys and to give them one last win in Rice-Eccles means the world,” said defensive tackle Keanu Tanuvasa. The seniors are hoping to snap Utah’s six-game losing streak—the longest under Whittingham—and secure their first Big 12 home victory.
Bowl Eligibility Still in Play
While Utah’s conference title hopes are nonexistent, they still have a shot at keeping their postseason streak alive. A win on Saturday would inch the Utes closer to bowl eligibility, a tradition they’ve maintained since 2014, excluding the shortened 2020 season. Bowl games, even the less prestigious ones, provide valuable practice time for underclassmen and an opportunity to build momentum heading into the offseason. Additionally, the Utes are eager to break a frustrating five-game bowl losing streak.
Iowa State’s Strengths and Weaknesses
The Cyclones bring a balanced and disciplined team to Salt Lake City. Quarterback Rocco Becht has been a steady hand, throwing for 2,628 yards and 17 touchdowns with seven interceptions. Becht’s dual-threat capabilities add another layer of complexity for Utah’s defense, as he’s run for 210 yards and five touchdowns. His primary targets, Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins, have combined for nearly 1,800 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns, making Iowa State’s aerial attack one to watch.
Adding to their versatility, Iowa State utilizes tight-end-heavy formations, with Gabe Burkle and Benjamin Brahmer contributing solid production. On the ground, their committee approach led by Carson Hansen, Abu Sama III, and Jaylon Jackson has been effective, backed by a resilient offensive line that has limited sacks.
Defensively, the Cyclones shine in their 3-3-5 setup, which has produced the best pass defense in the Big 12 and ranks No. 3 nationally in yards allowed per game (153.4). Cornerbacks Darien Porter and Jontez Williams headline a secondary that’s snagged 14 interceptions, making life difficult for opposing quarterbacks.
However, the Cyclones aren’t invincible. Their run defense has struggled, allowing an average of 184.5 rushing yards per game. Kansas exposed this vulnerability, racking up 237 rushing yards in a recent Iowa State loss. For Utah, this opens a potential path to victory, but only if their rushing attack, led by Micah Bernard, performs better than it did against Colorado’s stout defense.
Challenges for Utah
Utah’s offense faces a tough challenge. Quarterback Isaac Wilson is returning to full health after battling the flu but will need to contend with one of the most formidable secondaries in the nation. The Utes’ running game, which managed just 31 rushing yards (excluding sacks) against Colorado, must improve dramatically to exploit Iowa State’s one notable weakness.
Head coach Kyle Whittingham is candid about the uphill battle his team faces. “We got our hands full and it’ll be a challenge for us, but our guys have had... a really good attitude and a lot of fight in them,” he said. Despite the adversity, Whittingham emphasized that the team is still determined to finish strong and keep their postseason hopes alive.
What’s at Stake for Both Teams
For Iowa State, this game is about staying alive in the Big 12 championship hunt and proving they’re a legitimate contender. For Utah, it’s a chance to end their home schedule on a high note, honor their seniors, and keep bowl aspirations alive. The contrasting stakes make this a compelling matchup.
Final Thoughts
As the Utes take the field at Rice-Eccles Stadium one last time this season, they’ll be fighting for pride, a bowl bid, and the chance to send their seniors off with a memorable victory. Meanwhile, Iowa State is laser-focused on keeping their Big 12 title dreams alive, knowing any slip could end their campaign. Saturday’s game has all the ingredients of a thriller—playoff implications, emotional goodbyes, and the unpredictability that makes college football so exciting. Don’t miss it.
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