Freshman QB Byrd Leads Utah’s 53-7 Victory Over Colorado With 151 Rushing Yards
Utah’s dominance was on full display as they secured a convincing 53-7 victory over Colorado in Salt Lake City. The matchup showcased the impressive performance of true freshman quarterback Byrd Ficklin, who made his first career start.
Ficklin Shines with Record-Setting Performance
Ficklin wasted no time making an impact, scoring a remarkable 63-yard rushing touchdown on just the second play of the game. This marked the longest run by a true freshman in his initial start, as well as the longest rush by a Utah player this season.
By the end of the game, he had accumulated a total of 151 rushing yards on 20 attempts. This performance set a new benchmark for true freshman quarterbacks, surpassing the previous record of 64 rushing yards established in 1982.
Passing Success and Team Contributions
In addition to his rushing prowess, Ficklin threw for two touchdowns. He completed 10 of his 22 passing attempts for a total of 140 yards. His touchdown passes included a 22-yard connection with freshman JJ Buchanan and a 21-yard strike to Larry Simmons.
- Rushing Yards: 151 (most by a QB since 1996)
- Touchdowns: 2 passing, 1 rushing
- Pass Completion: 10 of 22
Dominant First Half
Utah’s offensive onslaught resulted in 43 points during the first half. The team totaled 588 yards, with 398 of those coming in the first half alone. A notable highlight was a 58-yard rushing touchdown executed by Wayshawn Parker.
The defense also shined brightly, registering five sacks in the first half that contributed to Colorado’s total of -18 yards at halftime. The Utes’ relentless defense forced quarterback Kaidon Salter to struggle significantly, finishing with just 37 yards and an interception.
Defensive Dominance
- First-Half Sacks: 5
- Total Tackles for Loss: 13
- Interceptions: 1
Linebacker Jonathan Hall led the Utes defense, totaling five tackles and two sacks. The disciplined defensive effort included four pass breakups, reinforcing Utah’s dominant performance.
Game Conclusion and Next Steps
In the closing minutes, Colorado managed a late-game touchdown when backup quarterback Ryan Staub executed a 1-yard rushing score. However, it was too little to change the outcome of a lopsided game.
Utah improved its record to 6-2 in the Big 12, showcasing both offensive and defensive excellence against Colorado, who now sits at 3-5. As the season progresses, Utah’s performance sets a promising tone for future games.
