The Utah Utes are undefeated through nine games for only the third time in program history. The previous two occurrences were 2004 and 2008. In both cases, the Utes finished the season undefeated.

In 2008, the team finished 13-0 with a dominant win over Alabama in the Allstate Sugar Bowl. That was in the BCS era. The Utes recognize the undefeated season, but do not recognize 2008 as a “National Title” as it was the result of a computer model and not the result of a face-to-face matchup.

In 2026, college football is decided by a playoff system. Can the Utes complete an undefeated season? If they make the College Football Playoff and continue their winning ways, they would be set up for a significant playoff run. If at the end of that run, they were to be the last team standing, it would make 2008 a distant memory.

Utah football's path this year is interesting

Through nine games, the Utes have handled everyone they’ve faced with very few ‘close games’. In Utah’s two lower level non-conference games, they won those by a margin of 32 and 33 points respectively. They also beat SEC team Arkansas by 33. Most of their Big 12 games have been won by 14 to 24 points with only two exceptions.

The two remaining completed games are on two different sides of the expectation spectrum. Beating No. 14 Houston by eight points was not a shock. Both were ranked conference opponents. Utah found a way to stifle Houston’s final drive. The unranked Colorado team was a different story. After a 13-0 lead, Utah allowed them to come back with a 17-point 3rd quarter, but held them off in the 4th quarter.

At this stage in the calendar, Utah has three games remaining. No. 23 Arizona, TCU and West Virginia, in order. Both TCU and West Virginia are bottom third teams in the Big 12 standings. Both are games Utah will be expected to win. Arizona is attempting to make a late push.

Arizona’s only losses have come to ranked opponents. No. 15 BYU early in the season and No. 13 Texas Tech two weeks ago. The Wildcats are currently sitting at 5th in the Big 12. Right behind No. 14 Houston. If Utah can beat Arizona and Colorado’s once highly rated defense can steal a game against Houston on Friday, it would simplify the Big 12 conference title situation.

Utah must remain unbeaten to keep the Big 12 title clean and organized. If the losses at the top of the conference remain unchanged, Utah would enter the title game undefeated. Texas Tech should be Utah’s opponent in that title game. Leaving BYU on the outside looking in with two losses. The most recent of which coming at the hands of Utah.

Utah is playing well enough to believe they do not need any specific path. However, more than one Big 12 team is likely to make the playoff field. Heading into the Playoff as a conference winner would give Utah a first round bye. Depending on those first round games, there could be a scenario that sees Utah face a Big 12 foe in the quarterfinals.

Source: Yahoo Sports