Byrd Ficklin-Led Utes Steamroll Colorado Buffaloes In First Half

Oct 25, 2025, 9:46 PM

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - OCTOBER 25: Byrd Ficklin #15 of the Utah Utes rushes the ball for a touchdown against the Colorado Buffaloes during the first half of their game at Rice Eccles Stadium on October 25, 2025 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)

(Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)

BY CHANDLER HOLT

KSL Sports

SALT LAKE CITY — Even with a true freshman under center, Utah football had no issues building a massive first-half lead over the Colorado Buffaloes on Saturday.

The Utes scored points on five of their first seven drives to jump out to a 33-0 lead at home.

63 YDS TO THE 🏠#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/Ma8xL5BzMG

— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) October 26, 2025

The tone was set early.

On the second play of the game, Ficklin turned on the jets from 63 yards out to give Utah a 7-0 lead.

It was Ficklin’s fourth rushing TD in a Utes jersey.

63 YDS TO THE 🏠#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/Ma8xL5BzMG

— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) October 26, 2025

A handful of punts and a field goal later, Utah found itself leading 10-0 with the ball.

Up next was another long score early in the series, as running back Wayshawn Parker broke free for a 58-yard touchdown to give the Utes a 17-0 lead to close out the first quarter.

#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/mnyl8goMBW

— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) October 26, 2025

The momentum continued to snowball in the second quarter.

After forcing a safety with a Colorado intentional grounding in the end zone, Utah’s offense quickly got back to work.

It took just four plays to go 72 yards, and Ficklin found JJ Buchanan for a 22-yard touchdown down the right sideline.

#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/JJeP0JPnN9

— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) October 26, 2025

Each scoring drive to that point had been quick and flashy.

Utah bucked that trend on the seventh drive, eating up over seven minutes off the clock and marching 60 yards over 16 plays.

NaQuari Rogers ended a gritty drive with a gritty rush from two yards out.

275 > -2 #Analytics pic.twitter.com/fjEorZPC3U

— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) October 26, 2025

Utah Football hosts 73rd Rumble in the Rockies

Utah football looks to get back in the win column against the Colorado Buffaloes at home tonight.

The Utes come off a tough rivalry loss in Provo last week, but the redemption they’re chasing dates back to last season. The first Big 12 edition of the Rumble in the Rockies was owned by the Buffaloes. Prior to last year’s November matchup, Utah had won seven in a row and 11 of the last 12 in the series.

Although Utah enters 5-2, and Colorado 3-4, the game will be far from easy. The Buffaloes come off a big win a week ago, knocking the No. 22 Iowa State Cyclones out of the AP Top 25.