Utah’s Schedule Puts BYU Showdown in Playoff Spotlight
Undefeated Utah faces No. 7 BYU on November 7, with Rece Davis saying the game could strengthen the Utes’ College Football Playoff case.
At 8-0, Utah will appear in the College Football Playoff committee’s opening rankings, but ESPN’s Rece Davis expects the committee to weigh the Utes’ schedule heavily. On the College GameDay Podcast, Davis predicted Utah would be placed around No. 5 when the rankings are released on November 3, citing a strength-of-schedule ranking in the 80s.
Davis praised Utah as a physical, capable team but said its record was only one part of the committee’s evaluation. The Utes’ victories include Kansas, Idaho, Cincinnati, Arkansas, Houston, Utah State, Colorado and Iowa State. Houston, ranked No. 17 in the AP poll, is the only team on that list currently in the poll’s top 25.
The matchup with No. 7 BYU on November 7 offers Utah a chance to add a more prominent win. The Cougars are 7-1 and have beaten Notre Dame 28-24; they have also won their past three games against Utah. Davis said beating BYU would give the Utes a result that could distinguish them from other contenders.
A loss would not necessarily end Utah’s playoff hopes. The Utes could have another opportunity in the Big 12 Championship Game, and their remaining regular-season opponents after BYU are Arizona, TCU and West Virginia. First-year coach Morgan Scalley said the team was keeping its usual approach to preparation.
The committee’s first rankings are scheduled for release on November 3 at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN. BYU and Utah are set to kick off at noon ET on November 7 on ABC.