Utah Utes Host Kansas State Wildcats in Critical Big 12 Showdown on Nov. 22
The Utah Utes are set to host the Kansas State Wildcats at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, November 22, 2025 — a game that could define the postseason fate of both teams. Utah enters as a 17.5-point favorite, a spread that has oddsmakers and analysts divided: one side sees a blowout, the other a gritty upset. The twist? Kansas State doesn’t need to win outright — just stay close enough to force Utah into mistakes. And with the Wildcats needing a victory to lock up bowl eligibility, they’re playing with house money.
Utah’s Offensive Machine vs. Kansas State’s Defensive Flaws
Utah’s offense isn’t just good — it’s a steamroller. Ranked second nationally in rushing at nearly 280 yards per game, they’ve got Wayshawn Parker as their engine. The senior running back averages 7.1 yards per carry and has crossed the 1,400-yard mark this season. But it’s not just him. The Utes’ dual-threat quarterbacks — especially when they mix in designed runs — keep defenses guessing. Their offensive line? Consistently dominant. As Winners and Whiners put it: "They control the trenches like a bulldozer through gravel."
Meanwhile, Kansas State’s run defense has been a liability. They’ve allowed over 150 rushing yards per game and 16 touchdowns on the ground — numbers that should terrify any coach facing Utah. The Wildcats have held teams to under 100 yards rushing just once in their last six games. When you’re facing a team that can chew clock, control tempo, and grind out drives, that’s a death sentence.
Kansas State’s Hope: Turnovers and the Air Game
But here’s the counterpunch: Kansas State ranks fourth in the nation in forced turnovers. That’s their lifeline. Their quarterback, Avery Johnson, threw for 2,168 yards and rushed for another 369 this season. He’s not a polished passer — 12 interceptions on the year — but he’s improved. His last outing, a 14-6 win over Oklahoma State, showed grit: 15-of-28, one TD, one INT, and just enough poise to keep drives alive.
Wide receiver Jayce Brown (712 receiving yards) is his go-to target. Running back Joe Jackson (476 rushing yards) adds balance. But Utah’s defense? Top-10 in points allowed. They don’t give up big plays. They force three-and-outs. They bait mistakes. If Johnson tries to force throws into double coverage, or if Jackson fumbles near the goal line, it could be game over.
Home Sweet Home — Utah’s Fortress
The numbers don’t lie. In their last 10 home games, the Utes have averaged 30.2 points while holding opponents to just 17.5. That’s a 12.7-point swing. At Rice-Eccles Stadium, the crowd is loud, the turf is firm, and the Utes thrive. Kansas State? On the road, they’ve averaged just 24.5 points in their last 10 away games. They’ve lost three of their last five road contests by double digits.
And here’s the quiet truth: Utah hasn’t lost at home since last October. That’s 11 straight. Kansas State hasn’t won in Salt Lake City since 2018. The last time they did? They were a top-10 team. This year? They’re fighting for relevance.
The Prediction Divide: Cover or Not?
Two analysts, two outcomes. Picks and Parlays forecasts a 33-25 Utah win — meaning the Utes cover only by 8 points. Their logic? Kansas State’s desperation will keep them competitive. They’ll force a turnover or two. They’ll keep it close until the fourth quarter. And Utah, perhaps overconfident after a four-game win streak, might ease up.
But Winners and Whiners sees it differently: "Utah’s strengths align perfectly with Kansas State’s weaknesses." They predict a 41-21 rout, with Parker breaking a 60-yard TD in the third quarter and the Wildcats’ offense stalling on every drive. The key? Tempo. If Utah can run 10 plays, 5 minutes off the clock, and score a field goal? That’s a killer.
The truth? Utah should win by 18 or more. But college football doesn’t care about logic. It cares about heart. And Kansas State? They’ve got nothing to lose.
Why This Game Matters Beyond the Box Score
For Kansas State, this isn’t just about bowl eligibility — it’s about survival. A win here locks them into a New Year’s Six or at least a Gator Bowl berth. A loss? They’re watching the postseason from home. For Utah? A win clinches a top-four finish in the Big 12, opening the door to a New Year’s Six bid. A loss? They’re stuck in the middle of the pack, and their 2025 season becomes a footnote.
It’s also a referendum on Utah’s identity. Are they a true contender, or just a team that crushes weaker opponents? This game will answer that. Kansas State isn’t a pushover — they’ve beaten Texas Tech and held Oklahoma State to 14 points. But they’ve never faced a front seven like Utah’s. And they’ve never played in a stadium where the crowd roars louder than a jet engine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this game impact Kansas State’s bowl chances?
A win guarantees Kansas State a bowl berth — they currently sit at 5-6 and need one more victory to reach the six-win threshold. A loss eliminates them from postseason contention, ending a season that began with high hopes after a 3-0 start. Bowl eligibility is especially critical this year, as the Big 12 has fewer automatic qualifiers than in past seasons.
Why is Utah’s rushing attack so dangerous against Kansas State?
Kansas State’s run defense has allowed 153.4 rushing yards per game and 16 rushing touchdowns this season — both in the bottom 20 nationally. Utah averages 278 yards per game on the ground, led by Wayshawn Parker’s 1,412 yards and 14 TDs. The Wildcats’ linebackers struggle with gap discipline, and Utah’s offensive line has allowed just 8 sacks all season — the perfect storm for a ground assault.
What’s the historical edge between these two teams?
Utah leads the all-time series 5-1, including a 31-10 win in Manhattan last year. Kansas State’s lone win came in 2018, when they pulled off a 38-35 upset on the road. Since joining the Big 12 in 2011, Utah has won every home game against Kansas State, outscoring them by an average of 22.3 points per game.
Can Kansas State’s defense contain Utah’s offense?
Unlikely. Utah’s offense is built for this matchup: power runs, play-action, and misdirection. Kansas State’s defense has allowed 4.9 yards per carry this season — 107th in the FBS. Even if they force a turnover, Utah’s ability to control the clock (averaging 33:15 per game) means Kansas State’s offense gets fewer opportunities. The Wildcats need to score quickly — and they’ve only scored 30+ points twice this season.
Is the -17.5 point spread too high?
It’s high, but not unjustified. Utah has covered the spread in 7 of their last 10 home games, and Kansas State has failed to cover in 8 of their last 10 road games. The spread reflects Utah’s dominance in time of possession and Kansas State’s inability to move the ball on the ground. Still, if the Wildcats force two turnovers and hold Utah to field goals, they can keep it under 18. That’s why the underdog side still has value.
What’s the weather forecast for the game?
Expect clear skies and temperatures around 42°F at kickoff — ideal for football. Wind will be light, under 8 mph, meaning passing and kicking won’t be affected. The dry, firm turf at Rice-Eccles Stadium favors running backs, which plays directly into Utah’s strengths. No weather-related factors will disrupt the game’s flow.