The Utah Utes are atop the Big 12 after a hard-fought comeback win over the Houston Cougars with College GameDay in town.

After the emotional win, Utah now has to travel across the country and multiple time zones to take on the Cincinnati Bearcats on Saturday, with kick-off set for 3:45 p.m. ET.

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Cincinnati is a dark horse team and just last week beat the Texas Tech Red Raiders 37-24 at home. It was a statement win for the Bearcats as they proved they can be legit contenders and now could very well upset Utah.

Utah did rally to beat Houston, but I haven’t been sold on what they have done this season. They barely edged out the Colorado Buffaloes, who aren’t a good team, while Cincinnati proved their offense is legit.

The Red Raiders are known for their defense, and Cincinnati had their way, which was impressive.

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The Bearcats are led by running back Cole Tabb, who rushed for 173 yards against Texas Tech. Cincinnati has the ability to use its run game to run out the clock and not give Utah as many possessions.

Meanwhile, the Bearcats’ defense is decent enough to have success against the Utes’ offense. Utah is also coming off an emotional win and has to travel across the country, which is tough to do and could result in a letdown spot.

Utah is only a 6.5-point favorite, and we have constantly seen teams lose the week after a big win, and that could be the case for the Utes on Saturday afternoon.

Utah coach won’t let team buy into hype

Oct 24, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Utes head coach Morgan Scalley looks on before the game against the Houston Cougars at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
Oct 24, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Utes head coach Morgan Scalley looks on before the game against the Houston Cougars at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images

Although Utah is now ranked sixth and firmly in the running to win the Big 12 and reach the College Football Playoff, head coach Morgan Scalley won’t let the team buy into the hype.

Utah is getting plenty of credit, but Scalley knows anything can happen in college football, so the Utes can’t overlook the Bearcats.

“A reminder: it’s hard to win in college football. So grateful for our guys, their fight, and that’s what you need. I don’t really care about the stats. I’m so proud of these guys, just their fight. Devon Dampier, he’s our guy and so proud of his fight in the second half and the defense came up with stop after stop. Colton Swan, great game plan,” Scalley said.

Cincinnati’s crowd should also be a difference-maker, which could impact Dampier and Utah’s offense.

This will be a tough game for Utah, but if they do survive, the Utes will be the real deal and a legit playoff contender.

Related: The Coach’s Corner: Gamecock Fans Storm Field After Walk-Off Win

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This story was originally published by Lindy's Sports on Oct 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Lindy's Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Source: Yahoo Sports