The Utah Blockcast

Devon Dampier is giving Utah football a more dangerous passing attack—but what still needs work after a 4–0 start? Steve Bartle answers your questions in this Utah Blockcast bye-week mailbag, using Hudl IQ charts and film observations to examine the Utes’ progress. We break down Dampier’s downfield improvement, Kelvin Obot’s push for a starting role, Cedric Jefferson’s encouraging play and why Byrd Ficklin had fewer opportunities against Iowa State. Plus, how concerned should Utah fans be about third-quarter slowdowns, blitz protection and generating pressure with four? Also in this episode:• Coaching grades for Morgan Scalley, Kevin McGiven and Colton Swan• Early returns on Utah’s recruiting changes and Otro Capital partnership• Whether the Big 12 has college football’s best running backs• Big 12 fanbase rankings and Ames vs. Morgantown• Favorite road-trip destinations, barbecue and an unexpected grape obsession What has encouraged you most about Utah through four games—and what’s your biggest concern? Drop your answers and future mailbag questions in the comments. Subscribe to the Utah Blockcast for Utah football analysis, Big 12 discussion and coverage from KSL Sports Utah Insider Steve Bartle. #UtahFootball #GoUtes #Big12

Utah football is 4–0 after beating Iowa State 31–17, but another sluggish third quarter leaves plenty to discuss. Wayshawn Parker powered the win in Ames—so how close are the Utes to putting together a complete game? Steve Bartle and Josh Bennett break down Parker’s standout performance, the offensive line’s progress and Devon Dampier’s improvement as a downfield passer. They also examine Iowa State’s second-half adjustments, Utah’s need for more pressure from its four-man rush and what the Utes should address during the bye. Plus, our updated Big 12 Week 4 Power Rankings: Why Utah holds the top spot over BYU and Texas Tech, what Cincinnati’s win over Kansas State changes, and how Oklahoma State and Houston fit into the contender conversation. In this episode:• The Ames experience and Iowa State’s welcoming fans• Parker’s big day and Big 12 weekly honors• Kelvin Obot, improved run blocking and the work still ahead• Dampier’s deep-ball growth and Utah’s third-quarter struggles• Defensive adjustments, tackling and the pass rush• Our full Big 12 countdown from No. 16 to No. 1 Who belongs at No. 1 in the Big 12—and what is Utah’s biggest bye-week priority? Leave your take in the comments and subscribe to Utah Blockcast for more Utah football analysis. #UtahFootball #Big12Football #UtahBlockcast

Utah is 4-0 after a 31-17 win at Iowa State, and Wayshawn Parker was the difference. He piled up 239 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns, from a 54-yard run on Utah’s first snap to the fourth-quarter score that put the game away. In this postgame Utah Blockcast, we break down Parker’s performance, the offensive line’s progress, Devon Dampier’s sharp first half and Utah’s run defense against Aiden Flora. We also get into the uncomfortable part: how a 24-3 halftime lead shrank to 24-17, what Iowa State found against Utah’s man coverage, and why the offense went quiet in the third quarter. Morgan Scalley said the Utes needed to face adversity. We discuss what their response showed and what they need to clean up heading into the bye week. Subscribe for more Utah football coverage, and tell us your biggest takeaway from Ames in the comments. #UtahFootball #UtahUtes #Big12Football #UtahBlockcast

From a rainy, empty Jack Trice Stadium the day before kickoff, KSL Sports' Steve Bartle previews Utah's first true road game under Morgan Scalley — a Big 12 opener against Iowa State — where a mist-and-drizzle forecast, a hostile 61,000-seat whiteout, and two coaches in their conference debut push the game onto the details. The preview develops in the order Bartle takes it: the setting, then the Utah offense (Dampier and the run to the edge), then the Utah defense against Jaylen Raynor and Iowa State's edge run and shot-play passing, closing with his rapid-fire over/unders and a final score.

Utah opens Big 12 play in Ames for its first road game under Morgan Scalley. Alec Busse of CycloneAlert joins the Utah Blockcast to break down what the Utes will face against Iowa State. We discuss Jimmy Rogers’ first three games, the Cyclones’ more aggressive defense, their emerging run game and the questions surrounding their passing attack. We also look at how Iowa State’s front matches up with Utah’s rebuilt offensive line, what Devon Dampier could see in coverage and how the weather might shape the game. For Utah fans making the trip, Alec shares his Ames food recommendations and what to expect at Jack Trice Stadium—including the “Juicy Wiggle.”  #GoUtes #UtahFootball #UtahBlockcast #KSLSports