The No. 13 Utah Utes (9-2, 6-2) are set to face the Kansas Jayhawks (5-6, 3-5) in their season finale this Friday. This matchup is crucial for both teams, with Utah aiming to secure a spot in the Big 12 championship game and Kansas striving for bowl eligibility. The game promises to be an exciting contest, with various factors influencing the outcome, including team momentum, key player performances, and emotional stakes.
For Utah, a victory would mark their first 10-win season since 2022, bolstering their confidence as they transition into the Big 12. Kansas, on the other hand, seeks to reverse their recent slump and achieve bowl eligibility for the first time since their back-to-back appearances in 2022 and 2023. This game is particularly significant for Kansas, as they celebrate Senior Day, adding an emotional layer to the contest.
This article provides a comprehensive preview of the game, including details on how to watch, key trends, players to watch, and insightful quotes from both coaches. Whether you’re a die-hard Utes fan or a Jayhawks supporter, this guide will equip you with everything you need to know ahead of this Black Friday showdown.
How to Watch No. 13 Utah vs. Kansas
For fans eager to catch the game, here are the essential details:
- Kickoff: Friday, 10 a.m. MST
- Venue: David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium (Lawrence, Kansas)
- TV: ESPN
- Livestream: Check ESPN’s streaming services.
- Radio: Check local listings for radio broadcast details.
The weather forecast predicts cloudy conditions with temperatures in the mid-30s at kickoff, rising to the low 40s by the end of the game. Fans attending the game should dress accordingly to stay warm.
Team Trends Heading into the Game
Utah Utes: The Utes are riding a four-game winning streak, with their most recent victory being a hard-fought 51-47 win against Kansas State. According to ESPN’s Football Power Index, Utah has an 82.9% chance of defeating the Jayhawks. A win would secure their first 10-win season since 2022, marking a significant achievement for the program.
“(Utah is) a really good football team. They’re solid in all phases, physical football team. They’re top two or three in the league in almost every important category. They’ve been explosive on offense, I think they’re tops in the country in win differential this season. A lot of playmakers — again, the physicality and consistency.” – Kansas coach Lance Leipold
Kansas Jayhawks: In contrast, the Jayhawks have struggled recently, losing four of their last five games. Three of those losses were by 24 points or more. Despite their recent form, Kansas has the opportunity to achieve bowl eligibility with a win on Black Friday. The Jayhawks last played in bowls in 2022 and 2023, ending a 13-year drought.
Key Factors to Watch
The Jayhawks’ performance has been statistically average across most categories within the Big 12. Offensively, they’ve struggled to score consistently, surpassing 30 points only once in their last six games. In contrast, Utah boasts the Big 12’s second-highest-scoring offense, averaging 42 points per game.
Given these statistics, the game appears to favor Utah. However, Kansas may benefit from an emotional boost, as they celebrate Senior Day and honor players like quarterback Jalon Daniels, who will be making his final appearance at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.
Key Player Spotlight: Wayshawn Parker
Wayshawn Parker, RB: Utah’s rushing game has been a significant strength this season, ranking second nationally with an average of 279.6 rushing yards per game. Wayshawn Parker has been instrumental in this success, amassing 836 rushing yards and six touchdowns this year. He is on the verge of a 1,000-yard season and has recorded 100 or more rushing yards in each of the last four games, all of which resulted in victories for the Utes.
Kansas’ rushing defense ranks as the third-worst in the Big 12, allowing 174.2 yards per game. When Utah faced Baylor and Colorado, the two worst rushing defenses in the league, they gained 380 and 422 yards, respectively. Parker could exploit this weakness in the Jayhawks’ defense and have another productive game.
Coaches’ Corner: Pre-Game Quotes
Kansas coach Lance Leipold:
“(Utah is) a really good football team. They’re solid in all phases, physical football team. They’re top two or three in the league in almost every important category. They’ve been explosive on offense, I think they’re tops in the country in win differential this season. A lot of playmakers — again, the physicality and consistency.”
Utah coach Kyle Whittingham:
“Got a road trip to Kansas to finish off the regular season. (They’re) a lot like the team we just played, personnel-wise — physical, got some athletic guys. From the last few games, there’s a lot of carryover in this game from both sides of the football schematically, things that we’ve seen. We have to be ready.”
What’s Next for Utah and Kansas?
- Utah: TBD, postseason
- Kansas: TBD, postseason (if Kansas wins one more game to qualify)
Utah Schedule
- Aug. 30 — at UCLA
- Sept. 6 — vs. Cal Poly
- Sept. 13 — at Wyoming
- Sept. 20 — vs. Texas Tech
- Sept. 27 — at West Virginia
- Oct. 11 — vs. Arizona State
- Oct. 18 — at BYU
- Oct. 25 — vs. Colorado
- Nov. 1 — vs. Cincinnati
- Nov. 15 — at Baylor
- Nov. 22 — vs. Kansas State
- Nov. 28 — at Kansas
Final Thoughts on Utah vs. Kansas
As the No. 13 Utah Utes prepare to face the Kansas Jayhawks, several factors point to a potentially compelling matchup. Utah, with its strong offense and dominant rushing game, aims to conclude the regular season with a significant win, boosting their chances for the Big 12 championship game. The performance of key players like Wayshawn Parker will be crucial in achieving this goal.
Kansas, despite their recent struggles, has the opportunity to secure bowl eligibility, adding an emotional dimension to the game, especially with Senior Day celebrations. While the statistics favor Utah, the Jayhawks’ potential emotional surge could level the playing field.
Ultimately, this game represents more than just a season finale; it’s a chance for Utah to solidify their position as a top contender and for Kansas to reignite their season with a meaningful victory. Whether you’re watching from the stadium or tuning in from home, this Utah vs. Kansas game promises to deliver an exciting conclusion to the regular season.
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