Utah football moves game time against Kansas due to inclement weather
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Utah football's game against Kansas has been moved up due to inclement weather forecasted for the Salt Lake City area. Kickoff was originally scheduled for 10:15 p.m. ET, but is now 8 p.m. ET, according to Utah athletics.
The decision was based off forecast models and was agreed upon by both programs. The entire upper portion of Utah is currently under a Flood Watch until Monday afternoon. The rain associated with the remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel will impact Utah this weekend, bringing widespread rainfall totals ranging from 2 to 4". Some highly localized amounts to 6–8" are also possible.
The game, with its new kickoff time, will be live on the ESPN App in its entirety, in addition to a to-be-determined ESPN network. The Big 12 Conference will provide exact broadcast designation details prior to kickoff.
According to multiple forecasts, scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected between 10 p.m. Saturday and midnight Sunday night (local time).
The 12th-ranked Utes enter the game with a 4-0 record, while the Jayhawks are 2-2. This series shifts to Salt Lake City for the first time in 30 years. For Utah, coming off a bye week means a well-rested team will be ready to go. Prior to the week off, the Utes defeated Iowa State, 31-17.
As for Kansas, the first conference victory of the season is still on the horizon. They’ve only played one Big 12 game thus far, which was against Arizona State, resulting in a 24-17 loss in London. If not for back-to-back turnovers, Kansas might have left Wembley Stadium with a different outcome.
Utah has done a good job of winning the turnover battle this season. Keeping the ball secure could be a factor against the Jayhawks. Utah has only lost one fumble this season, and Devon Dampier has played mistake-free football.
The Utes can force long drives against the Kansas defense, pushing them to the point of breaking. If Utah maintains control and Kansas struggles to move the ball, this could be one of those games where Byrd Ficklin plays the second half with Dampier out of the game.
Every game is key for the Utes from here on out. This might seem like an easy win, but Kansas will come in with a lot of fight. This week gives Utah a great chance to show they took the week off and worked to clean up mistakes.
Utah will host Kansas on Saturday at 8 p.m. with TV still TBD.
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