The Baylor Bears are set to take on the Utah Utes on September 7, 2024, in a key non-conference matchup at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Both teams enter the game with contrasting performances from their season openers. Baylor, coming off a shocking 42-31 loss to Texas State, needs a significant rebound to prove they can compete against tougher opponents like Utah. On the other hand, the Utes cruised to a 49-0 victory over Southern Utah, showcasing a robust defense and efficient offense. Utah’s quarterback Bryson Barnes had a solid outing in their opener, throwing for 159 yards and a touchdown without an interception. The Utes’ ground game, although decent with 185 rushing yards, left room for improvement, and head coach Kyle Whittingham emphasized the need for a better run game to balance their attack against Baylor. Utah’s defense was stellar, holding Southern Utah to just 150 total yards and zero points. They will aim to maintain this defensive rigidity against a Baylor team that has shown vulnerability.

For Baylor, quarterback Blake Shapen threw for 303 yards and two touchdowns in their loss to Texas State but was let down by a defense that allowed 42 points. Head coach Dave Aranda, who took over defensive coordinator duties this season, will need to find solutions quickly to avoid a repeat against Utah. Baylor’s defense was particularly porous against the pass, allowing 298 yards, which could spell trouble against a Utah team that can exploit defensive gaps through the air. The key for this game will likely be the battle in the trenches. Utah’s defense ranks sixth in the nation for rushing yards allowed per game, while Baylor’s offense needs to establish the run to open up its passing game. If Utah can continue to dominate defensively and force Baylor into third-and-long situations, they should control the tempo and outcome of the game.