Utah football working to turn Colorado lessons into Houston preparation: ‘We can be cleaner’
Oct 19, 2026, 10:12 PM
BOULDER, COLORADO - OCTOBER 17: Hunter Andrews #10 of the Utah Utes celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the first half against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field on October 17, 2026 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Andrew Wevers/Getty Images)
(Photo by Andrew Wevers/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah football left Colorado with an unbeaten record and plenty of evidence that its offense has work to do. With Houston coming to town, the Utes’ response starts with making the plays that were available in Boulder.
That was a consistent theme during Monday’s media availability. Players pointed to missed assignments, red-zone mistakes and communication breakdowns that made Saturday’s victory more difficult than it needed to be.
They also expressed confidence that the corrections could produce a much better performance.
“We’re not gonna beat every team by 30. We know that, but we can be a lot cleaner,” wide receiver Creed Whittemore said. “We gotta just focus this week in practice, and we’ll come out fired up and ready to go for Houston.”
ESPN College GameDay’s arrival adds attention to the matchup. For Utah’s offense, though, the more immediate concern is turning its collection of playmakers into a unit that consistently finishes possessions.
Jordan Gross: Chop wood, carry water as the challenges grow
During his availability, Jordan Gross’ revealed he made his offensive line read Chop Wood, Carry Water during fall camp. Halfway through the season, its message remains his weekly reminder.
“Every week when we get back in there, all right guys, we got to chop wood and carry water,” Gross said. “Like it’s just the same process again and again. And it’s harder to do than people can realize.”
That consistency becomes more important as Utah’s rebuilt offensive line navigates the physical demands and growing stakes of the season.
“The challenge in our O-line room with first-time starters is, all right, now we’re halfway through and you’re beat up and it’s a lot of pressure and the games are big,” Gross said. “Well, they’re just going to get bigger.”
Colorado provided a test. Gross called it Utah’s most pressure-filled game, crediting the Buffaloes’ defensive plan while noting his group’s ability to recover from difficult possessions and help produce the touchdowns needed to win.
“It was a nice growth moment for us to kind of weather that storm and refocus after some tough drives,” he said.
With opponents increasingly attacking Utah with pressure, those lessons must carry into preparation. Gross wants steady improvement, and he knows his response to both successes and mistakes helps set that tone.
“The second half of our schedule is loaded with quality opponents, and there’s a lot of excitement that comes with that,” Gross said. “I use the phrase, careful what you ask for, right? You want to be a starter at a high-performing team in college football? Well, it’s a big job, and the guys are excited to have that opportunity.”
Small mistakes, substantial consequences
Tight end Noah Bennee saw opportunities for a more productive offensive performance in the Colorado film. Some depended on something as basic as identifying the correct defender.
“There’s a couple of key plays that could have been huge, you know, touchdown plays if we just ID’d the right person,” Bennee said.
That puts communication between the tight ends and offensive line near the top of the correction list. Utah has the personnel to stress a defense in several ways, but a missed assignment can erase the advantage created by the formation or play call. Bennee believes better execution would unlock more explosive plays.
“We have a lot of weapons, but we gotta make sure we still key in on the details,” he said.
Running back Wayshawn Parker described the mistakes as shared across the offense, from the line and running backs to the receivers and quarterbacks. His confidence in the group’s potential remains high.
“We’re dangerous when we put a complete game together,” Parker said.
Against Houston, sustaining execution will matter as much as starting quickly. Parker pointed to the Cougars’ ability to attack the football, while Bennee highlighted the challenge presented by their defensive front.
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Receivers can make the job easier
Whittemore’s difficult catches helped Utah finish the Colorado game, including a reception that set up Braden Pegan’s final touchdown.
On that play, Whittemore said pressure made him the hot option. Devon Dampier gave him an opportunity, and he finished the catch.
Those connections become especially valuable when defenses devote extra attention to Parker. Winning outside can create more room for Utah’s running game and force opponents to reconsider how aggressively they commit defenders near the line of scrimmage.
Whittemore also emphasized the receivers’ responsibility in helping Dampier operate more efficiently.
“He’s got a lot to think about. He’s got a lot to deal with,” Whittemore said. “So as an offensive group, we can make it easier for him.”
Keeping the week in perspective
College GameDay gives the Houston matchup a national spotlight. Whittemore acknowledged the appeal of playing in that setting, describing it as something players dream about growing up.
The preparation still comes back to familiar work.
During camp, Gross’ offensive line read Chop Wood, Carry Water. He has continued using that message as a reminder that each week requires the same commitment, even as the games grow bigger and the physical demands accumulate.
For Utah, Colorado supplied a useful list of what needs attention. Houston provides the next opportunity to show that the corrections took hold.
“The second half of our schedule is loaded with quality opponents, and there’s a lot of excitement that comes with that,” Gross said. “You want to be a starter at a high-performing team in college football? Well, it’s a big job.”
