The Utah Utes’ 2025 college football season has been a wild ride so far. After a rough loss to Texas Tech in Week 4, the team bounced back with a big win over West Virginia.
Now, as they hit their first bye week, the Utes are gearing up for a stretch that could make or break their Big 12 title chances. Let’s look at how things have gone so far, what these bye weeks mean, and which games are looming large.
Utah’s Season So Far
The Utes came out swinging to open 2025, notching some eye-catching wins:
- August 30: Utah 43, UCLA 10
- September 6: Utah 63, Cal Poly 9
- September 13: Utah 31, Wyoming 6
But then came Week 4. Facing No. 16 Texas Tech, Utah stumbled to a 34-10 defeat and gave up almost 500 yards. That one stung, no way around it.
Bouncing Back Against West Virginia
Utah answered that loss in style, crushing West Virginia 48-14 on the road. It was their fourth win by at least 25 points this season.
The Utes climbed back into the top 25 of the US LBM Coaches Poll, landing at No. 25. That kind of bounce-back says a lot about the team’s grit and focus.
The Importance of Bye Weeks
Utah heads into Week 6 with their first of two bye weeks. These breaks are a blessing—players get a chance to recover, both physically and mentally.
This one feels especially well-timed. The Utes have two weeks to get ready for their next big test: No. 24 Arizona State on October 11.
Strategic Planning and Recovery
Kyle Whittingham and his staff will use the bye to patch up any cracks that showed up in the first half of the season. They’ll tweak strategies and get everyone on the same page for what’s next.
And let’s be honest, the extra rest should help with those nagging injuries. You want your best guys ready for the stretch run, not sitting on the sideline.
Key Matchups Ahead
After the bye, things get serious. Here are the games that could decide everything:
- October 11: vs. No. 24 Arizona State
- October 18: at No. 23 BYU
- October 25: vs. Colorado
- November 1: vs. Cincinnati
Arizona State and BYU Showdowns
Arizona State and BYU are the last current top-25 teams on Utah’s schedule. The October 11 clash with Arizona State? That’s going to be a real gut check.
And then there’s BYU. The Holy War always brings the drama, and this year it’s on October 18. If you’re a Utah fan, you’ve probably had that one circled since the schedule dropped.
Looking Ahead
After their second bye on November 8, Utah heads to Baylor on November 15. Then it’s Kansas State on November 22 and Kansas on November 28.
Every one of those games matters. The Utes have to keep their eyes on the prize if they want a shot at the Big 12 championship game.
Conclusion
The Utah Utes have shown a ton of resilience and grit through the 2025 season. Now, with their first bye week here, they’ve got a real chance to regroup.
Looking ahead, the matchups against Arizona State and BYU feel like make-or-break moments. How the Utes handle these games could shape their Big 12 title hopes in a big way.
If you’re curious for more details about Utah’s schedule and season, check out the full article on USA Today.
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