REMINDER: Utah VS Baylor is Not a Conference Game

Last seasons 20-13 showing in Waco was a preseason victory for the Utah Utes against an out of conference foe.

Who would have known at the time that it was a preview of a future conference opponent?

When the Pac-12 sank and Utah boarded the vessel known as the Big 12, Utah and Baylor became rivals by default.

This year they do battle again, this time in Salt Lake City, with seemingly more on the line.

The Utes are still ranked (#11 instead of last years #12 at the time they played).

Baylor is still unranked, but unlike last year does have a victory over FCS Tarleton State.

Utah is still without a loss (1-0 instead of 3-0 like last years matchup).

And it’s still a non-conference game.

Wait, what?

That’s right. Despite both teams being newly minted conference foes, this game will not count as an in-conference clash.

Just another run of the mill preseason tilt.

This is due to the fact that this game was scheduled way before Utah had any inkling they would be switching sides.

It’s a taste of a conference game without conference game consequences.

Not as if Utah is interested in entertaining how drastic the consequences may or may not be as 14.5 point favorites.

Both teams combined to beat their week one opponent 94-3, and will strive to sustain the high flying offensive punch mixed with defensive intensity that was displayed early on.

Only one team can keep rolling.

It’s a litmus test for Baylor and an opportunity for Utah to make a statement to their new conference, while we as fans pretend its not a Big 12 game.

Utah’s 22-0 home record since 2011 in non-conference games will be tested at 1:30 Mountain Time this Saturday, September 7^th.