No. 12 Utah vs. Kansas: How to watch, listen to or stream the game
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Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Kansas (2-2, 0-1 Big 12) at No. 12 Utah (4-0, 0-0 Big 12)
- Kickoff: Saturday, 8:15 p.m. MDT
- Venue: Rice-Eccles Stadium
- TV: ESPN
- Livestream: ESPN app with participating TV provider
- Radio: ESPN 700 AM/92.1 FM /KZNS 1280
- Series: Utah leads the series, 3-2
- Weather: Saturday’s game is expected to be high 60s and rainy
The trends
For Utah: Prior to its bye week, Utah defeated Iowa State in its first competitive matchup of the season, 31-17.
Saturday’s matchup will be the first time Kansas will have played in Rice-Eccles Stadium since it was rebuilt in 1998, whereas the Jayhawks’ two previous meetings in Salt Lake City came before the rebuild. The teams met in 2025 when the Utes visited Kansas’ newly renovated David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium and won, 31-21.
For Kansas: The Jayhawks have found large successes against lower-realm opponents in Middle Tennessee State and Long Island, but have lost their other two games against Power Four opponents Arizona State and rival Missouri. If Lance Leipold fails to right the ship, he could find himself on the hot seat.
What to watch for
Coming off a bye week, a well-rested Utah team enters the game looking to improve to 5-0 against Kansas. It is hard to imagine the Utes’ defense struggling against a Jayhawk offense that has, with the exception of one fourth quarter, only shined against lower-tier teams. But Kansas’ fourth quarter that pulled off a near comeback against Arizona State may be the spark the Jayhawks needed.
If not for back-to-back turnovers early that quarter, Kansas could have left London with a different outcome.
Look for Utah’s defense to wreak havoc for Kansas QB Isaiah Marshall. The front four, like they have done all season, will be a big difference maker in this one.
Assuming it does end up being a rainy night at Rice-Eccles, ball security will be an important factor in this game, something the Jayhawks struggled with against Arizona State.
Player to watch
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Charlie Neibergall
In rainy conditions, keeping the ball on the ground may become the more conservative game plan for both teams, depending on how bad it gets.
Fortunately for the Utes, Wayshawn Parker is coming off a stellar performance where he accounted for 174 rushing yards against Iowa State, including a two-touchdown performance. If he performs against Kansas the way he did against the Cyclones, it could be lights out for the Jayhawks.
Kansas’ full focus should be on stopping No. 1 from getting huge chunk plays, however, it is no easy task, especially since Utah has two quarterbacks who are also threats in the run game if needed.
Quotable
“Should be a pretty awesome environment for a Kansas team that is physical. They are ranked top of the conference: first total defense and second total offense. I have a lot of respect for coach Leipold and what he’s done with his crew there. Their defensive front is very stout, very productive in getting TFLs, they’re a pretty aggressive defense. You can tell they’re coached really well. So this is gonna be a great opportunity for us in front of a packed house.-Utah coach Morgan Scalley on facing a physical Kansas team
“They’ve been a highly successful program. They obviously hired Coach Scalley from within. That was something that was set for years past that it was going to happen. He’s done an excellent job. As a defensive coordinator, well respected in that regard. I think he’s made a great transition to the head coaching role and kind of kept a lot of the same blueprint philosophies, but I’m sure there’s some small little nuances that he’s added.”-Kansas head coach Lance Leipold on Morgan Scalley’s transition to head coach
Next up
- Utah: at Colorado Oct. 17
- Iowa State: vs. West Virginia
Utah schedule
- Sept. 3 — vs. Idaho, W 66-14
- Sept. 12 — vs. Arkansas W 43-10
- Sept. 19 — vs. Utah State W 33-0
- Sept. 26 — at Iowa State W 31-17
- Oct. 10 — vs. Kansas
- Oct. 17 — at Colorado
- Oct. 24 — vs. Houston
- Oct. 31 — at Cincinnati
- Nov. 7 — vs. BYU
- Nov. 14 — at Arizona
- Nov. 21 — at TCU
- Nov. 27 — vs. West Virginia
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