- by Caspian Beaumont
- on 23 Nov, 2025
When Greg McElroy, the former Alabama quarterback turned ESPN analyst, dropped his Week 13 prediction on Always College Football last Tuesday, he didn’t mince words: Utah Utes are going to crush Kansas State Wildcats. The game, set for Saturday, November 23, 2024, at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, isn’t just another regular-season finale—it’s a statement game. And McElroy believes Utah is poised to make one.
Utah’s Machine: A Rushing and Rushing Defense Powerhouse
Utah doesn’t just play football. They enforce it. Their rushing attack averages 278.4 yards per game, second-best in the nation. Six straight games with at least 200 yards on the ground. That’s not luck. That’s systematic domination. And it’s not just about the running backs—quarterback Cam Rising has become a dual-threat engine, turning designed runs into explosive plays.
But the real terror? The pass rush. McElroy’s line—‘Nobody blitzes more than Utah’—isn’t hyperbole. The Utes lead FBS in pressures per game, with defensive coordinator Andy Avalos turning the edge into a death trap. Opposing quarterbacks are averaging under 6.5 seconds to throw. That’s not enough time to breathe, let alone find an open receiver.
Kansas State’s Quiet Crisis
Meanwhile, Kansas State Wildcats are fighting for survival. Their offense? Inconsistent. Over 25% of their rushing attempts gain zero or negative yards. That’s 118th in the country. They don’t turn the ball over—Klieman’s teams rarely do—but they’re stuck in 3rd-and-8, 3rd-and-12, and 3rd-and-15. No rhythm. No momentum. And against Utah’s front seven? That’s a recipe for disaster.
‘They don’t get penalized. They don’t make a lot of mistakes,’ McElroy admitted. ‘But they absolutely have to stay on schedule offensively.’ Translation? If Kansas State falls behind early—and they will—they’re not coming back. Their defense, which allows 152.2 rushing yards per game (10th in the Big 12), can’t possibly contain Utah’s ground game. Not with Isaiah Foskey and Logan Fife flying off the edge.
Underdogs in a Hostile Environment
At 16.5-point underdogs, Kansas State is the biggest underdog they’ve been all season. And it’s not just the line. It’s the vibe. Salt Lake City is a furnace on a November night. The crowd? Electric. The Utes? Riding a three-game win streak. Coach Kyle Whittingham said it himself: ‘We got some momentum going into this game and got to try to hang on to that.’
For Chris Klieman, it’s about pride. His team began the season with a shocking loss to Iowa State in Dublin, Ireland—Week Zero. Since then? An uphill slog. Bowl eligibility is on the line. But even if they win this one, it’s hard to see them winning the next three. This game isn’t just about staying alive—it’s about whether they can still compete at a high level.
A Bigger Picture: Utah’s CFP Dreams
McElroy didn’t just pick Utah to win this game. He’s been saying since June that they’re going to win the Big 12 Championship. Back then, he told Heartland College Sports: ‘I think they’re going to be so improved at that position that that surges them to the forefront and Kyle Whittingham brings home his first Big 12 championship.’
Now? They’re one win away from locking up a top-four spot in the final CFP rankings. A blowout over Kansas State? That’s the kind of statement win the selection committee craves. Especially if Ohio State or Texas stumble. Utah’s resume—nine wins, a top-10 schedule, a top-5 rushing attack, and a top-10 scoring defense—might be enough to sneak in.
And here’s the twist: Kansas State isn’t a bad team. They’re disciplined. They’re well-coached. But discipline doesn’t win games when you’re outmatched in talent, speed, and scheme. It just makes the loss hurt less.
What’s Next?
If Utah wins by 20+, they’ll likely face Arizona State in the Big 12 title game on December 7. McElroy’s June prediction is now looking prophetic. If Kansas State pulls off the upset? Well, that would be the biggest shock of the season—and it would instantly make Klieman a coaching legend.
But don’t bet on it. Utah’s offense is too balanced. Their defense is too relentless. And McElroy? He’s been right more often than not this season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Greg McElroy considered a credible analyst for this matchup?
McElroy’s credibility comes from his playing experience at Alabama under Nick Saban, where he won two national titles, and his sharp, data-driven analysis on ESPN. He doesn’t rely on hype—he breaks down film, stats, and scheme. His June prediction that Utah would win the Big 12 has held up, and his focus on pressure rates and rushing efficiency aligns with advanced metrics used by NFL scouts.
How does Utah’s rushing offense compare to other top teams this season?
Utah’s 278.4 rushing yards per game rank second nationally, behind only Georgia (284.1). Only two other teams—Ohio State and LSU—have averaged over 270. Utah’s consistency is remarkable: six straight 200-yard games, including a 351-yard performance against West Virginia. No other Big 12 team has done that. Their offensive line, led by All-American guard Braden Fiske, is the engine behind it.
What’s at stake for Kansas State beyond bowl eligibility?
Beyond making a bowl, a win could save Klieman’s recruiting momentum. Kansas State lost four starters to transfer portal this season, and a strong finish could help retain key underclassmen. A loss? It could signal a step backward after three straight 9-win seasons. The Wildcats need this game to prove they’re still a Big 12 contender, not just a program clinging to past glory.
Could Kansas State win if Utah’s offense falters?
Theoretically, yes—but it’s unlikely. Utah’s defense allows just 18.4 points per game and has held six opponents under 20. Kansas State’s offense averages 23.1 points, but only three times this season have they scored more than 28. Even if Utah’s offense stumbles, the Utes’ defense is good enough to win a low-scoring game. Kansas State hasn’t beaten a top-15 team since 2021.
Is this game a potential trap for Utah before the Big 12 Championship?
Not really. Utah has shown discipline all season, even in blowouts. They didn’t look past Oklahoma State or TCU. Coach Whittingham has built a culture where every game matters. Plus, the Utes need this win to solidify their CFP resume. They’re not taking Kansas State lightly—they’re treating it like a playoff game.
What does McElroy’s prediction say about the future of the Big 12?
It signals a shift. The Big 12 isn’t just Texas and Oklahoma anymore. Utah’s rise, along with Arizona State and Kansas State’s resilience, shows the conference is becoming more competitive and nationally relevant. McElroy’s call that Utah will win the title reflects a new reality: the Pac-12’s collapse has opened the door for strong, well-coached teams from the Mountain West to rise.