Kansas State Wildcats vs Utah Utes Prediction - 11/22/2025
Updated July 9, 2026
The Kansas State Wildcats (5–5) head into a huge road test this Saturday as they visit the Utah Utes (8–2) at Rice‑Eccles Stadium. A win for Kansas State would secure bowl eligibility. But Utah is trying to move closer to a berth in the College Football Playoff with a win at home in this contest. Before kickoff from Salt Lake City, you can find my Kansas State vs Utah prediction below.
Utah is clearly the superior team on paper. They have one of the nation’s top rushing attacks, a stingy defense, and momentum after winning three games in a row. The Utes’ ground game is elite, averaging 278.4 rushing yards per game, third among FBS teams. That kind of dominance on the ground could open up play-action or keep Kansas State’s defense off balance.
Kansas State has fought its way to 5–5, largely on the strength of opportunistic defense. They forced five turnovers in their recent 14–6 win over Oklahoma State. But matching Utah in Salt Lake City will require near-perfect execution. K-State must lean on its turnover-generating defense to make life tougher on the Utah offense in this game that both teams could really use to achieve their respective goals.
Kansas State's Avery Johnson remains the leader under center for his team. He’s thrown for 2,168 yards with 17 touchdowns and only 5 interceptions this season. The big key to this game for Johnson and the Wildcats will be to avoid being sped up by the Utah pass rush, which could lead to turnovers and bad decisions.
Utah relies on Devon Dampier at quarterback, whose rushing ability complements the Utes’ run-heavy identity. The Utes average nearly 478 total yards per game, with much of it coming on the ground. Their offensive line has been dominant, and their red zone efficiency is among the best in the country.
Utah shouldn't have too much trouble winning this game on their home turf. The Utes are excellent on defense and with their rushing attack. But I think that K-State will cover the spread as an underdog on the road here. Avery Johnson is dangerous at quarterback for the Wildcats and he should keep this game interesting, even if the Utes win and improve to 9-2 on the year.
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