Utah needs wins and upsets to reach the College Football Playoff after a narrow win over Kansas State.

Utah (9-2, 6-2) faces a tough path to the College Football Playoff after dropping to No. 13 following a 51-47 win over Kansas State, despite allowing 472 rushing yards. To reach the Big 12 title game and a playoff spot, Utah must beat Kansas (5-6, 3-5) and hope for three upsets: Arizona over No. 20 Arizona State, West Virginia over No. 5 Texas Tech, and UCF over No. 11 BYU. The Utes’ offense remains strong, led by Devon Dampier, who has 1,927 passing and 637 rushing yards with 26 touchdowns. Kansas, aiming for bowl eligibility, needs a win after a 38-14 loss to Iowa State, with quarterback Jalon Daniels key despite Utah’s top pass rusher being out. The teams are tied 2-2 all-time, meeting for the first time since 1996.