Baylor vs. Utah football history: H2H, records, and more ahead of Week 2 matchup
A new Big 12 conference battle will be inaugurated when Baylor travels to Utah on Saturday in Week 2 action. The Utes are a likely frontrunner for the Big 12 title, while Baylor is projected to finish closer to the middle of the pack in the league. Ahead of their Week 2 battle, here's a quick look at the history and accomplishments of two of the more significant Big 12 members.
Baylor vs. Utah football history
Baylor vs. Utah head-to-head
This is only the second meeting between the schools. The first meeting was last season, as Utah traveled to Baylor as a 7.5-point favorite and picked up a 20-13 win. In that game, the Utes outgained the Bears 377-339 despite giving up three sacks. That game was decided in overtime.
This season, the Utes are favored at home by 15 points over Baylor. Both teams are 1-0 as the No. 11 Utes won 49-0 over Southern Utah last Thursday while Baylor opened with a 45-3 win over Tarleton State. ESPN's FPI gives Utah a 78 percent chance at victory.
Baylor and Utah historical milestones
Baylor has never won a national championship but is 14-13 all-time in bowl games. That record includes appearances in the Cotton Bowl in 2014 and the Sugar Bowl in 2019 and 2021. The Bears have a Heisman winner — QB Robert Griffin III won the award in 2011. Don Trull finished fourth in 1963, which was the previous best finish for a Baylor player.
Utah has never won a national title although they went 13-0 in 2008. They beat No. 4 Alabama in the Sugar Bowl but were chosen No. 2 in the final AP poll behind Florida and Tim Tebow. The Utes are 17-8 all-time in bowl games and don't have a Heisman winner. WR Steve Smith and QB Alex Smith are among the most notable Utah alums.
Who's Utah's QB in Week 2?
The Utes will start veteran Cam Rising. Rising had a brilliant 2022 season, passing for 3,034 yards and 26 touchdowns. He then missed the entire 2023 season with an injury but started 2024 with 254 yards and five touchdowns. He's a Heisman Trophy darkhorse candidate, and as long as he's healthy, the Utes have an elite quarterback.
Who's Baylor's QB in Week 2?
Toledo transfer DeQuan Finn will get the call for Baylor. Finn threw for 7,083 yards and 63 scores with the Rockets. He had a fairly rough first start for Baylor, as he passed for 192 yards and two touchdowns, but also threw two interceptions in Week 1. Backup Sawyer Robertson saw some action in 2023 where he threw for 864 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
What do you think of Baylor and Utah's matchup? Share your thoughts and predictions below in our comments section!