ESPN FPI predicts Utah will be the underdog to finish the 2024 season

Utah football faces a tough finish to a tumultuous 2024 season, with their bowl eligibility hanging in the balance after a long stretch. 4-game losing streak. The last time Utah had a similar streak was in 2017, which also marked its previous bowl win. Ending this season on a successful note could mark a significant turnaround for head coach Kyle Whittingham, but there is a tough road ahead.

Nov. 9 BYU: ESPN FPI – 39.8%

After a bye week, Utah faces No. 9 BYU, one of the Big 12’s top contenders. Led by point guard Jake Retzlaff, BYU has an offense that averages 35.1 points per game, anchored by standouts LJ Martin and LJ Martin. receivers Darius Lassiter and Chase Roberts. Defensively, BYU has made significant progress under coordinator Jay Hill, allowing just 19.6 points per game and forcing 18 turnovers, which ranks them among the best in the country. Utah will need a complete turnaround in form to win, especially against an energetic and on-task BYU team.

Nov. 16 at Colorado: ESPN FPI – 26.3%

Utah then travels to Boulder to face a resurgent No. 23 Colorado team under head coach Deion Sanders. Colorado has impressed quarterback Shedeur Sanders and two-way star Travis Hunter, who contribute both offensively and defensively. With the home team’s enthusiastic fans and bowl game eligibility in hand, Colorado is no longer a walk-on, making it a scary matchup for Utah, especially considering their recent struggles.

23 November No. 10 Iowa State: ESPN FPI – 35.3%

Following Colorado, Utah hosts No. 10 Iowa State, another undefeated powerhouse in the Big 12. Iowa State’s defense is strong, ranking ninth in scoring defense, allowing just 14.4 points per game and limiting opponents to just 304 total yards per game. Their stingy pass defense is allowing just 133.7 yards through the air. Utah’s offense has struggled against low-caliber defenses, which makes it hard to imagine the Utes being successful against such a strong opponent.

Nov. 9 at UFC: ESPN FPI – 35.8%

Utah will close out the season at UCF in Orlando, a game that could be crucial to their cup hopes. Although UCF has faced challenges of its own and is currently on a five-game losing streak, Utah cannot take them lightly. UCF’s offense has been inconsistent, but running back RJ Harvey stands out as a major offensive threat. Considering Utah’s unpredictable performance this season, even this seemingly positive matchup could prove challenging.

Realistically, Utah can only get one win in this final stretch. Missing out on a bowl would mark one of the most disappointing seasons in recent memory, and it was a far cry from the Big 12 championship expectations at the start of the season.