True freshman QB Byrd Ficklin powers Utah to a 53-7 rout of Colorado, leading to bowl eligibility.

True freshman quarterback Byrd Ficklin led Utah to a 53-7 blowout win over Colorado, throwing for 140 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 151 yards and a score. Utah’s ground game dominated, gaining 422 yards on the ground, averaging 12.8 yards per carry in the first quarter. The Utes built a 43-0 halftime lead, holding Colorado to minus-18 total yards and minus-41 rushing yards. Colorado quarterback Kaidon Salter completed 9 of 22 passes for 37 yards and was sacked seven times. The loss marks one of the worst in Deion Sanders’ tenure, dropping Colorado to 3-5 and 1-4 in the Big 12, while Utah improved to 6-2 and secured bowl eligibility.