Dampier’s unbeaten Utes face former Utah quarterback Wilson in Boulder

Devon Dampier and No. 11 Utah bring an unbeaten record to Boulder on Saturday night, where Colorado will turn again to former Utes quarterback Isaac Wilson as it tries to end a three-game losing streak.

The Utes are 5-0 overall and 2-0 in the Big 12. Colorado is 2-3 and 0-2 in conference play after a bye week. Kickoff at Folsom Field is scheduled for 10:15 p.m. Eastern, 8:15 p.m. Mountain, on ESPN.

Wilson gives the matchup a familiar face. He started seven games for Utah as a freshman in 2024 before eventually transferring to Colorado. Deion Sanders said this week that Wilson would start against his former team, the Deseret News’ Joe Coles reported Friday.

In his first Colorado start, Wilson threw for 290 yards and a touchdown and ran for 42 yards against Texas Tech. Three interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown, helped turn that game into a 29-7 loss. He had replaced Julian Lewis during the previous game at Baylor.

Dampier and Parker give Utah several ways forward

Utah averages 502 yards and 42.8 points per game. Dampier has completed 71.8 percent of his passes with 12 passing touchdowns, while Wayshawn Parker has scored 11 total touchdowns, seven rushing and four receiving.

Parker ran for 174 yards at Iowa State and 171 against Kansas. Colorado, however, has not allowed an opposing player to rush for 100 yards this season. Its defensive front produced 12 tackles for loss against Texas Tech, including 5.5 from Santana Hopper.

The Utes can also put Dampier and Byrd Ficklin on the field together. At Monday’s press conference, coach Morgan Scalley explained that both quarterbacks can run, catch and throw, giving offensive coordinator Kevin McGiven several options without changing personnel.

Scalley discussed the Colorado matchup and that quarterback package Monday:

Wilson faces a defense built to stop the run

Utah allows 78.8 rushing yards per game and 13 points per game. Colorado will need to keep Wilson out of the repeated long-yardage situations that increase pressure on its passing game.

Joseph Williams gives him a receiver who has remained productive through the losing streak. Williams leads Colorado with 32 catches for 454 yards and five touchdowns, and he caught 10 passes against Texas Tech after making 11 receptions at Baylor.

Scalley told Coles that familiarity with Wilson’s strengths and weaknesses should not be overstated. Both sides know each other, but the Utes still have to handle Colorado’s offense on the field.

Utah won last season’s meeting 53-7 in Salt Lake City. Colorado won the teams’ previous game at Folsom Field, 49-24 in 2024.