The Utah Checkdown

It’s rivalry week, and the stakes couldn't be higher as undefeated Utah prepares to host BYU at Rice-Eccles Stadium. In this episode of The Utah Checkdown podcast, Josh Furlong breaks down everything you need to know ahead of the massive top-10 showdown. Tune in as we cover: What’s at stake: How the outcome impacts the Big 12 title race, tiebreaker scenarios, and College Football Playoff hopes for both programs. Rivalry history & trends: A look back at the rare times both teams met while ranked, historical scoring margins, and the loudest "Utah Quakes" ever recorded at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Injury updates: Crucial availability reports on key contributors, including BYU’s LJ Martin and Evan Johnson, plus Utah's defensive health. The matchup on paper: Breaking down the stats that matter — from third-down conversions and red-zone defense to how quarterbacks Devon Dampier and Bear Bachmeier handle the pressure. Game day meetup: Details on joining the live dual-podcast tailgate event with Mitch Harper at Guardsman Way before kickoff. Can Utah defend home turf, or will BYU shake up the conference race? Get the full breakdown and game predictions right here. Follow Josh Furlong on social media platform X @Josh_Furlong or on Instagram @jfurksl.

In this episode of The Utah Checkdown podcast, host Josh Furlong breaks down the debut College Football Playoff rankings, where the undefeated Utes locked in — and why the national media reaction from ESPN has Utah fans buzzing. Here's a look at what's on today's episode:   Initial College Football Playoff rankings: A breakdown of the newly released CFP rankings, focusing on Utah landing at No. 3, the overall standing of five Big 12 teams, and the perceived push toward SEC-heavy favoritism.   National media reaction & Utah skepticism: Analysis of ESPN analysts (including Rece Davis) questioning Utah’s top-three ranking, comparing Utah's resume against UCLA and Alabama, and addressing the team's need to prove doubters wrong under head coach Morgan Scalley.   Big 12 officiating scrutiny: Insider Jon Wilner joins to discuss back-to-back officiating and replay controversies across three consecutive BYU games (Notre Dame, UCF, and Arizona State) and the Big 12's proactive meeting to address mechanics and avoid a "Category 5 storm". Playoff bids & future conference landscape: An assessment of the Big 12's chances of securing multiple playoff spots, the search for the next Big 12 commissioner after Brett Yormark's exit, and potential national impacts from the upcoming Miami vs. Notre Dame matchup. Rivalry preview: Key factors for Saturday’s showdown at Rice-Eccles Stadium, including BYU’s ability to win on the margins and what outcome best benefits the conference postseason picture. Follow Josh Furlong on social media platform X @Josh_Furlong or on Instagram @jfurksl.

On this episode of The Utah Checkdown podcast, host Josh Furlong is joined by BYU insider Mitch Harper in the first part of a rivalry crossover edition. The two discuss the following ahead of the top-10 matchup between schools: Blind ranking: Mitch tests Josh by blind ranking legendary BYU players Game importance: Who needs to win the rivalry game more? Rivalry toxicity: A look at how the rivalry game has changed with Morgan Scalley as Utah's head coach Follow Josh Furlong on social media platform X @Josh_Furlong or on Instagram @jfurksl.

Host Josh Furlong breaks down a statement weekend for the No. 3 Utah Utes following their 49-25 blowout win over Cincinnati. From extending their historic 23-season pick-six streak to Devon Dampier’s record-setting performance, the Utes are firing on all cylinders. Here's a look at what's on the show: The AP Top 25 ballot: Where things stand in a chaotic college football landscape and a preview of the upcoming College Football Playoff rankings. Big 12 implications: Dissecting BYU’s recent struggles, Texas Tech’s win, and how the conference title race is shaping up. Rivalry week is here: Initial updates on Saturday’s showdown against BYU, kickoff details on ABC, and injury news on offensive lineman Kelvin Obot. A business trip: A look back at Utah's trip to Cincinnati and how the team came away with a big win. Giveaway & tailgate alerts: How you can win tickets to Saturday's game and details on our live tailgate on Guardsman Way. Follow Josh Furlong on social media platform X @Josh_Furlong or on Instagram @jfurksl.

In this episode of The Utah Checkdown podcast, Josh Furlong breaks down everything you need to know ahead of Utah’s road game against a Cincinnati team who just upset a top-10 team the week prior: Brett Yormark leaving: The Big 12 announced Friday that commissioner Brett Yormark is stepping away on Jan. 31, 2027. Josh highlights what that means to the conference and how the Big 12 needs to get it right on the next hire. Trap game nonsense: Coming off a big win, Cincinnati is seen as a trap game for Utah. But is it really a trap game? Josh gives his reasons as to why he doesn't believe that's the case. Previewing the Bearcats: The Cincinnati offense is a three-headed monster that could spell trouble for Utah, but Josh breaks down the stats to show how Utah is poised to contain what the Bearcats are doing. Big 12 Hotline with Jon Wilner: The Bay Area News Group's Jon Wilner joins the show to discuss the outlook for the Big 12 after two of the top teams dropped a game, and where he sees Utah finishing out. Follow Josh Furlong on social media platform X @Josh_Furlong or on Instagram @jfurksl.