Lauri Markkanen scored 47 points and the Utah Jazz beat the Chicago Bulls 150-147 on Sunday night in the NBA’s highest-scoring game of the season.
SALT LAKE CITY — Keyonte George made a 3-pointer with 2 seconds remaining in the second overtime, Lauri Markkanen scored 47 points and the Utah Jazz beat the Chicago Bulls 150-147 on Sunday night in the NBA’s highest-scoring game of the season.
George finished with 32 points — including six in the second OT. Isaiah Collier and Brice Sensabaugh each had 16 points, and Kevin Love and Svi Mykhailuk each added 10 as the Jazz won for the second time in three games after losing six of seven.
Coby White scored 27 points and Josh Giddey had 26 points, 12 rebounds and 13 assists for the Bulls, who have lost five straight. Nikola Vučević had 21 points, Matas Buzelis and Ayo Dosunmu each scored 18 and Julian Phillips scored 10.
White, whose layup with 0.2 seconds left in the first OT tied the score at 136, made two free throws with 8.4 seconds to go in the second OT to tie it at 147. After George’s go-ahead 3, Vučević missed a potential tying basket at the buzzer.
Utah led 136-132 in the final minute of the first OT, before Buzelis had a dunk with 27 seconds to go and White made his tying layup to send it to a second OT.
The Jazz trailed by seven early in the fourth quarter before using an 8-0 run to take a 102-101 lead on Sensabaugh’s 3 with 9:23 remaining. Collier followed with a layup to push the lead to three less than 30 seconds later.
Jalen Smith’s 3 tied the score with 8:41 to go, and there were several lead changes and seven ties the rest of the quarter. Markkanen, who had 12 points in the fourth, hit a free throw with 19 seconds remaining to tie it at 127.
Markkanen had 13 points in the third quarter to help Utah cut Chicago’s nine-point halftime lead to 98-94 heading to the fourth.
Giddey and White each scored 12 points to help the Bulls take a 70-61 lead at halftime. Markkanen had 18 points to lead the Jazz.
Byrd Ficklin stole the show in Utah’s 55-28 win at Baylor. In a freshman season full of memorable moments, Ficklin delivered a few more on Saturday. It was the start of a 21-0 Utah scoring run as the …
WACO, Texas — Byrd Ficklin stole the show in Utah’s 55-28 win at Baylor.
In a freshman season full of memorable moments, Ficklin delivered a few more on Saturday.
He had touchdown runs of 67 and 74 yards, the latter of which featured a stiff arm that moved the last man Ficklin had to beat out of the way.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
The 74-yard touchdown run, which came with Utah up just eight points early in the third quarter, broke the game open. It was the start of a 21-0 Utah scoring run as the Utes blew out Baylor 55-28 to improve to 8-2 on the year.
“It was just more of, take care of the ball, don’t give them more momentum,” Ficklin said of his mindset on the touchdown drive. “Come out here and be a vibe killer and when we broke that long run, that’s pretty much what it did. It killed their whole entire vibe for the rest of the game.”
Prior to that key touchdown in the third quarter, Ficklin had already been in the end zone. Starting quarterback Devon Dampier went to the locker room ahead of Utah’s fourth drive of the game, with Wayshawn Parker taking the wildcat snap of the first play of the series.
Dampier was back in to hand the ball off to Parker on the next play, then lined up wide on the third play of the drive as Ficklin took the snap, faked the handoff and then took off down the sideline for a 67-yard touchdown run to put Utah up 21-7.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
“It can be nothing but fun … We talk about this especially all the time in our hotel room. What are we going to do whenever we’re both in and we score? It is just something that we both love, we both have fun with and it’s a really loving relationship between me and my best friend,” Ficklin said.
Dampier was one of the first players down to the end zone to celebrate with Ficklin.
Utah’s usual starting quarterback was playing through injury and was not at 100%. Ute coach Kyle Whittingham said if the game was last week, that Dampier wouldn’t have been able to play.
Without Dampier’s usual dynamic play — he finished with 80 yards and two touchdowns on 46% completion and just 23 yards rushing — Whittingham and the Utes turned to Ficklin to provide their offense a spark.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
The freshman quarterback finished the game with 166 rushing yards and two scores and even completed two of three passes for 23 yards.
“A lot of confidence during practice (and) again, he’s gone in there and he’s been perfect when he goes in. So not a far drop off at all. It’s pretty similar,” Dampier said.
It was telling of Dampier’s leadership that while he was no doubt frustrated that he could not play at his full potential in the win in Waco, he was genuinely happy and supportive of Ficklin.
“Dev has been the most help out of anybody that’s been here,” Ficklin said on an ESPN 700 coaches’ show. “… He’s been really pushing me on and off the field to not just be a better player, but also be a better person. And that’s what I mainly love about Dev.”
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Throughout spring and fall camp, Dampier took Ficklin under his wing, helping show the freshman the ropes as he went from starring at Muskogee High to becoming the backup quarterback at Utah. That wasn’t something Dampier had to do, and it speaks to his willingness to lead.
“Yeah, well that’s who he is. He’s an absolute team guy as well. We got a bunch of guys that are just, I can’t pick out a selfish player in this football team and say this guy needs to come to the party a little bit as far as being a team guy,” Whittingham said. “It’s a bunch of guys all pulling in the same direction, caring more about the team than they do about themselves.”
After the win, Dampier spoke glowingly about Ficklin and seemed genuinely happy for his success.
“We got a very loving relationship. There’s no hate involved in anything, so anytime we get to see each other shine, we’re all for it. So Byrd stepped up as a freshman, he’s earned those rights today to get in the game. I mean he proved it tonight why he’s in,” Dampier said.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
After the blowout win where each contributed a pair of touchdowns, the two teammates walked off the field and into the locker room side by side. That’s a common sight around Utah’s football facility, in the locker room, and in the pair’s day to day life.
When they’re not together in person, they’re FaceTiming each other — Dampier says they talk probably five times a day on the phone.
“It is literally almost like if Dev’s going to be there, Byrd’s going to be there. It’s almost literally like that,” Ficklin said. “… We just happen to hang out together almost all the time, almost every day.”
Utah has one of the better quarterback situations in the Big 12 Conference due to having complete confidence in its backup quarterback. The previous two seasons showed the Utes just how vital having a good backup is. In the transfer portal era, it’s become a luxury to have two good quarterbacks on their roster, and having Ficklin waiting in the wings has already been key in at least two Utah wins.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
While Dampier should continue to be the starter as long as he can play on Saturday — Whittingham seemed sure of that during the postgame press conference — the Utes may need to call on Ficklin again at some point in the next two games, starting with Saturday afternoon’s game vs. Kansas State (2 p.m. MST, ESPN2).
He’ll be ready.
“Byrd Ficklin was probably the biggest catalyst for us when we needed it. He provided two huge runs for us and the guy’s just a really good football player,” Whittingham said “… He’s got a bright future as I’ve said several times before he’s just really provides a spark for us.”
Kyle Whittingham most likely wouldn’t have believed it if he had been told prior to Saturday’s Big 12 bout against Baylor that Utah would go on to win by double …
Kyle Whittingham most likely wouldn’t have believed it if he had been told prior to Saturday’s Big 12 bout against Baylor that Utah would go on to win by double-digits while giving up over 500 total yards, running 30 fewer plays and losing the time of possession battle by a difference of roughly 6 minutes.
Oh, and that the engine of his offense would be limited all night due to injury, requiring some in-game adjustments and faith in a true freshman quarterback to close out a must-have win on the road.
Those factors and obstacles made for one of the more unique outcomes Whittingham’s been a part of in his 24 full seasons at the helm of the Utes, who managed to overcome an abnormal defensive outing in a 55-28 victory over the Bears from McLane Stadium on Saturday.
“It’s the most unique win, I guess you could say in the the short term past,” Whittingham said after the game. “It was definitely a back and forth and defensively, we usually control things a little bit better.”
Indeed, Utah had been stout all season, allowing just 156.8 yards through the air per game going into Saturday’s matchup against the league’s top-ranked air attack.
The Utes caught some breaks early on but eventually let a few big plays slip through the cracks, leaving the door open for the Bears to hang in the first half despite a rough start from Sawyer Robertson. The nation’s leader in touchdown passes heading into Week 12 missed on eight of his first 11 throws — some of which were gimmes for someone of his talent — though he connected on a 64-yard bomb to Kole Wilson to get Baylor in field goal range, making it 21-10 in the second quarter, then hit Josh Cameron for a score in the final seconds of the first half after a perfect pass to Ashtyn Hawkins got the Bears within striking distance.
Utah’s pass rush was disruptive in key spots, though outside of a few stops in the red zone, the secondary had to try to keep up with Baylor’s plethora of talented receiving threats.
“That receiving core is outstanding, and the tight end (Michael Trigg), you’ll be seeing him play on Sunday for a long time,” Whittingham said. “But we got to do a little better job of winning more of the 50-50 balls.”
Just as Whittingham could’ve expected in the lead up to Saturday’s game that Baylor’s potent air attack would present quite the challenge for his defensive backs group, it would’ve been reasonable for him to think the Utes offense would have success on the ground much they like did through their first nine games of the season.
Even so, he probably didn’t account for three 60-plus yard scores being the difference makers.
Utah, which entered the game with 16 scoring drives of 10 plays or more on the season, didn’t need to worry about moving the chains with Wayshawn Parker and Byrd Ficklin ripping off chunk plays every time they touched the ball. Ficklin broke off a 67-yard score in the second quarter courtesy of some solid blocking up front, giving the Utes a spark while Devon Dampier took it easy due to an injury.
Parker’s turn came a few minutes later, as the sophomore back took advantage of Baylor putting just five defenders in the box with a 64-yard burst right up the middle, extending Utah’s lead to 28-10 with just over 4 minutes left in the first half.
Just like that, Utah went from 11 rushes for 43 yards in the first quarter to 19 for 179 at the halftime break. Baylor, though, racked up 362 total yards of offense, the most Utah had allowed in a first half since 2022, but had to settle for three field goal tries inside the Utes’ 25-yard line after failing to put the ball in the end zone.
Baylor finished with 563 total yards of offense — the most Utah’s allowed through its first 10 games — and ran 91 total plays to the Utes’ 59. Scooby Davis’ 65-yard interception returned for a touchdown in the first quarter probably skewed how the final stats looked, though the junior’s first touchdown of the season set the tone for the kind of night it was going to be for Utah.
Ficklin kept it rolling in the third quarter with an incredible individual effort on a 74-yard touchdown run, in which he shrugged off a tackle attempt from Bears safety Tyler Turner with a stiff arm to record the Utes’ longest rush of the season from scrimmage. That made it 35-20 in favor of the Utes after Robertson and company cut their deficit to eight on the previous drive.
The Utes continued to lean on their offensive line to get the job done in the trenches for the remainder of the second half. Between Ficklin and Dampier, Utah attempted just five passes after halftime, yet the Utes never relinquished control when it seemed like the Bears were ready to make a late push.
Led by Ficklin’s 166 rush yards, Utah tallied 380 yards on the ground while averaging 8.8 per carry. Parker crossed the 100-yard threshold for the third consecutive game, finishing with 129 on 15 attempts. As a team, the Utes went for over 200 rush yards for the fifth consecutive game, their longest such streak since 2018.
“That offensive line is a huge reason why we’re able to do that week in and week out,” Whittingham said. “Credit the way they played.”
Despite its inconsistencies all night, Utah’s secondary helped deliver the final nail in the coffin early in the fourth quarter with a second interception off Robertson, who got drilled on a nickel blitz by Jackson Bennee as his pass was picked off by Trey Reynolds, setting the Utes up on the Bears’ 9-yard line following a 31-yard return from the 6-foot-1 junior.
Utah scored moments later after Dampier swung a short pass out to Parker for his second touchdown of the night, making it 49-20 with just over 11 minutes left in regulation.
And so, in a game where Robertson throws for 430 yards and Baylor has two 100-yard receivers, plus a running back who had almost 100 yards on the ground, Utah’s knack for explosive plays wound up outweighing its defensive lapses and subsequently, keep the Utes’ College Football Playoff hopes alive with a decisive victory.
Even if it wasn’t the script Whittingham had drawn up in his head going in.
“There was a lot of back and forth there for a while, but we just kept, kept at it, and answered the bell every time,” Whittingham said. “A lot a lot of things in that game that both sides did well, but we did enough to get the win.”
It’s unclear whether Kyle Whittingham’s been part of a game quite like Saturday’s in his head coaching career, though it’s safe to assume it’s up there with som …
It’s unclear whether Kyle Whittingham’s been part of a game quite like Saturday’s in his head coaching career, though it’s safe to assume it’s up there with some of the more unique outcomes he’s experienced in his 24 seasons at the helm of the Utah football team.
Whittingham most likely wouldn’t have believed it if he had been told prior to Saturday’s Big 12 bout against Baylor that his team would go on to win by double-digits while giving up over 500 total yards, running 30 fewer plays and losing the time of possession battle by a difference of roughly 6 minutes to the Bears.
Then again, he probably wasn’t accounting for three 60-plus yard scores from his offense, as well as an interception for a touchdown out of his defense, during his preparation process throughout the week.
Explosive plays and another dominant performance on the ground offset what was an abnormal night defensively from the Utes, who pulled away from the Bears in the second half to leave McLane Stadium with a 55-28 victory, despite getting gashed for 563 total yards of offense, 430 of which were through the air.
Utah answered Sawyer Robertson’s resilient effort with unrelenting physicality in the trenches, totaling 380 rushing yards and five touchdowns behind an impressive outing from Byrd Ficklin, who ripped off scores of 67 and 74 yards to finish with 166 rush yards on just six carries.
The true freshman quarterback stepped up while Devon Dampier battled an injury that forced him to take a brief locker room visit early in the second quarter. The dual-threat signal-caller returned but wasn’t featured heavily in the second half, allowing Ficklin an opportunity to gain more valuable reps as the Utes closed out the Bears with 21 unanswered points in the second half.
Here’s what Whittingham had to say about the team’s defensive struggles, Dampier’s health and Ficklin’s impact after the game.
“Our offense has done pretty good this year, and we’re first or second the league in a lot of categories. When you consider how much we struggled last year; I mean, the turnaround has been remarkable. Very proud of those guys.”
“Devon’s a little bit beat up, there’s no secret about that. But he’s a competitor, he’s a warrior. He goes out unless he absolutely can’t function at all.”
Nov 15, 2025; Waco, Texas, USA; Utah Utes quarterback Devon Dampier (4) is tackled by Baylor Bears linebacker Keaton Thomas (11) during the first half at McLane Stadium. / Chris Jones-Imagn Images
“He’s gonna want to play, and he wasn’t his normal self tonight, but good enough to go out and do some good things.”
“He’s maturing and becoming more seasoned every single week. He has not had a game that he was inserted in, where the stage was too big. He’s responded well every single time he’s been in the game, and so, like I said, the moment is not too big for for Byrd, and he’s, he’s going to be a really good one.”
“Well, just the fade balls … you throw up those 50-50 balls, and and we didn’t make enough of a percentage of them for our liking. They’re going to connect on some — like I said that receiving core is outstanding, and the tight end, you’ll be seeing him play on Sunday for a long time. But we got to do a little better job of winning more of the 50-50 balls.”
Nov 15, 2025; Waco, Texas, USA; Baylor Bears wide receiver Josh Cameron (34) runs with the ball after the catch against the Utah Utes during the second half at McLane Stadium. / Chris Jones-Imagn Images
“Scooby lost his cool a little bit, and obviously the other guy had some something to do with it as well or he wouldn’t have got flagged.”
“You got to keep it cool. I’m not making excuses for Scooby. I don’t know enough about the situation right now to tell you a definitive course of action for us, but we’ll find out.”
Devon Dampier wasn’t at full strength during Utah’s 55-28 win over Baylor on Saturday, according to head coach Kyle Whittingham. In fact, if the Utes (8-2, 5-2 …
Devon Dampier wasn’t at full strength during Utah’s 55-28 win over Baylor on Saturday, according to head coach Kyle Whittingham.
In fact, if the Utes (8-2, 5-2 Big 12) were scheduled to play last week, their dual-threat quarterback wouldn’t have been able to go.
“Devon’s a little beat up, but he’s a warrior, he’s tough,” Whittingham said after his team’s impressive outing against the Bears. “He wants to be out there. No doubt about that.”
Dampier didn’t appear on any of Utah’s availability reports leading up to Saturday’s contest from McLane Stadium. He started and finished the Nov. 1 game against Cincinnati after missing the previous week due to injury.
“If we had to play last week, Devon would not have been available to play, Whittingham said.”
Dampier toughed it out for the Utes in their Week 12 bout in Waco, Texas, though he had to make a brief locker room visit in the second quarter following Utah’s second scoring drive of the night. He returned for the Utes’ ensuing drive off the Bears’ first touchdown, but wasn’t heavily featured in the pass or run game during the second half.
Dampier’s status gave backup quarterback Byrd Ficklin a chance to lead the offense. The true freshman seized his opportunities from the get-go, providing the Utes a much-needed spark with a 67-yard rushing touchdown to make it a 21-7 game, followed by an electric 74-yard score in the third quarter to extend his team’s lead to 15 points after Baylor trimmed its deficit to eight with a field goal on the previous drive.
Ficklin was also 2-of-3 through the air for 23 passing yards. Utah leaned heavily on the run, though, especially in the second half, with only five pass attempts between Ficklin and Dampier after halftime.
Ficklin accounted for 166 of the Utes’ 380 rush yards on the night, marking their fifth consecutive game with over 200 rushing yards. That’s the program’s longest such streak since 2018.
Ficklin helped extend the streak three weeks earlier, when he tallied 151 yards on the ground in his first career start against Colorado on Oct. 25.
Time will tell whether the Muskogee, Oklahoma, product makes his second career start next Saturday for Utah’s home tilt against Kansas State. The Utes will look to keep their College Football Playoff hopes alive when they host the Wildcats (5-5, 4-3 Big 12) at Rice Eccles-Stadium.
James Okonkwo missed the Utes’ first three regular-season games due to transfer rules. He’ll return to the court against Sam Houston …
When the University of Utah takes the Huntsman Center court against Sam Houston on Saturday night, James Okonkwo won’t have to stay on the sideline this time.
The fifth-year transfer forward can finally suit up for the Runnin’ Utes in the regular season.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
While the 6-foot-8 forward was able to play in Utah’s two exhibition games, he missed the Utes’ first three regular-season games due to transfer rules.
“It’ll be good, because then we’ll get a better feel for our rotations, just when we were starting to get a little continuity there,” Utah coach Alex Jensen said of having Okonkwo available.
“You know, first year, all new players, all new coaches, it’s going to be discombobulated in some ways. But it’ll be good to get them out there and see different combinations with James.”
That allowed other front court guys like JUCO transfer Josh Hayes and true freshman Kendyl Sanders an opportunity to gain some valuable extended minutes they might not have gotten if Okonkwo had been available.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
“I think it is a blessing in this, (it) gives other guys opportunities they might not have necessarily had,” Jensen said. “Hopefully, it kind of puts us ahead of the curve a little bit in figuring out what’s best for us.”
Utah and Sam Houston will meet at the Huntsman in a 7 p.m. MST tip that will be livestreamed on ESPN+.
The Utes bring a 3-0 record into the matchup, while the Bearkats are 1-1, including a 98-77 loss over another Big 12 team, No. 11 Texas Tech, a week ago.
“Sam Houston, I think, is a good team. (They) did a good job against Texas Tech and they’re aggressive,” Jensen said. “I think it’s another good test to see kind of where we are. I think we’ve improved in our first three games, and hopefully we continue that trend.”
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Okonkwo is expected to play a major role in the interior for a Utah squad that is short on height and has reshaped 80% of its roster, after losing nearly every rotation player to the transfer portal or graduation.
The Utes are already short a couple of big men, with Babacar Faye out for the season due to injury and Ibi Traore having yet to play as he continues to recover from an injury that forced him to miss all of last season.
With Okonkwo unavailable for the team’s first three games, that forced Utah to make adjustments up front and play guys out of position. The Utes struggled with rebounding over the first two games before looking improved in that area in game three.
“It’s definitely going to be a big, big addition for us,” Utah forward Seydou Traore said of Okonkwo’s return. “Just being able to see the physicality that he brings to the court, especially being (around) him this whole summer, just seeing how much he improved on and off the court, that’s a big addition for us.”
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
When Okonkwo played in Utah’s two exhibition games against Nevada and Oregon, he started each game at the 5 position.
“It’s going to benefit us a lot having James playing the five so me and Keanu (Dawes) can play our normal positions. (It’s) definitely gonna help us a lot,” Traore said. “But I feel like us not playing our normal position definitely helped us, too. I kind of feel like it’s 50/50 in a way, just being able to go down there, bang down with big guys, grab rebounds and stuff like that.”
Okonkwo’s absence gave Hayes, who started the first three games, and Sanders a chance to showcase their skillsets in extended minutes.
Utah Utes forward Kendyl Sanders (13) shoots as Holy Cross Crusaders guard Gabe Warren (21) guards him during a basketball game at the Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City on Monday, Nov. 10, 2025. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
Over Utah’s first three games, Sanders averaged 24 minutes, 7.3 points and 5.7 rebounds per game while shooting 52.9% from the floor. He’s also shot 4 of 10 from 3-point range, helping Utah space the floor.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
“I wasn’t expecting to really play as much as I am right now, but I think I’ve taken full advantage of the opportunity, and it means a lot to me,” Sanders said.
Hayes, who stands 6-foot-9, is averaging 13.3 minutes, 5.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks. In Monday’s win over Holy Cross, he had nine points, five rebounds, two blocks and an assist.
“There’s nothing like minutes in real games. There’s the experience. You can’t match it,” Jensen said. “You can’t get it really elsewhere. I think it was good for him. I think it gave him confidence. In a good way, (it) raised our expectations of what he’s capable of.”
Now, this front court will get some reinforcements in Okonkwo.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
“Having him back is definitely gonna help our rebounds. We could always do better on rebounds, and then obviously we could space the court even more,” Sanders said.
“We have a bigger team now with him. I don’t have to play the five as much as I have been playing, but having him and Josh, that’s gonna help a lot with rebounds, blocks and just make us look bigger on the court.”
While Jensen said there isn’t a date yet for when Ibi Traore could return and bolster the frontcourt, “he’s been doing progressively more and more with us in practice.”
The Utes could be getting some help in the backcourt against Sam Houston, too. Elijah “Choppa” Moore, who suffered a concussion in the season opener, is cleared to play, the coach said.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Saturday’s game is the fourth straight home contest for Utah at the Huntsman Center to start the season. The Utes will also host Purdue Fort Wayne and Cal Poly next week before heading to the Acrisure Series in Palm Desert, California, during Thanksgiving week.
For Jensen, the Sam Houston game provides another opportunity to continue building a foundation that Utah hopes it can rely on moving forward.
“It took us three games, but we didn’t come in at halftime behind in rebounds the last game. I think, (this game is about) laying the foundation and preparing us, because the schedule is just going to get harder from here on out,” Jensen said.
“Hopefully we have kind of that foundation. I think that we’ve been trying to build for before we take too many steps, before we go forward and get better and give us an opportunity to win every game.”
Utah is much more than just deserts and mountains. It’s also home to a beautiful beach that’s perfect for getting some sun in this one underrated city.
While sunny states like Florida and California are more what come to mind when imagining beautiful beaches, you shouldn’t count Utah out. As incongruous as it may seem — considering Utah is a landlocked state and is often associated with arid landscapes typical of the Four Corners region — it has a surprising number of natural bodies of water and beaches. Though Great Salt Lake is arguably the most famous and largest of them, the sparkling mountain lakes in Fishlake National Forest and Mantua, north of Salt Lake City, are nothing to shake your fist at.
Then there’s Vineyard Beach, one of Utah’s underrated gems. You may miss it if you stay in Provo, but Vineyard, one of the fastest growing cities in Utah, with a walkable downtown, is just 15 minutes away. The beach sits on the edge of town, on the northwest corner of Utah Lake. You can expect a natural and rustic vibe with the copse of leafy trees and sparse grasses lining the windswept shore. If you gaze across the pale blue ripples of the lake, you’ll be met with the incredible Wasatch Mountains in the distance. There is an ample stretch of sand to sit and catch the sun, and while out on the water, you can paddle, canoe, and kayak.
A covered picnic table faces the lake and mountains at Vineyard Beach, Utah – seaseasyd/Shutterstock
Despite the far-flung feeling created by the views at Vineyard Beach, the beach is very accessible. Wheelchair ramps spill out directly onto the sand, and you’ll have your pick of a few covered picnic tables. A life jacket loaner station also meets you at the bottom of the ramp, in case you want to brave a dip. That being said, some visitors don’t feel the water is clean enough for swimming and would rather stick to relaxing on the sand.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
If you want to get out on the water at Vineyard Beach, you can. The lake isn’t only popular for rowers and paddleboarders, but people also come to windsurf and sail. You can rent a variety of watercraft at Lindon Marina, including kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, row boats, and Sunfish sailboats. The marina is conveniently located adjacent to the lake, just 2 minutes by car up the road from the beach.
It’s advised to bring bug spray to combat the mosquitoes at Vineyard Beach. In the winter, you’ll get a top-notch opportunity to see the Utah Lake ice stacks. The giant blocks of ice are washed ashore by the lake’s waves, creating pretty piles. It’s generally not safe to venture onto the lake at this time, even if it seems frozen, but you can climb the stacks at the lake’s edge. If you stay at Vineyard Beach until sunset, you’ll get to see the sun as it sinks, spilling golden streams of light down the mountainside and illuminating the lake with a soft glow.
Take on the trails at Vineyard Beach
Grass and bare tree at Vineyard Beach with a mountain in the distance – seaseasyd/Shutterstock
There are a couple of easy trails at Vineyard Beach. The Utah Lake Shoreline Trail is a fairly long trail stretching 4.2 miles. Described as a nice trail suitable for kids and walking your dog, the trail starts at Sunset Beach Park and is either asphalt or packed gravel. The path then follows the shore past Vineyard Beach and Lindon Marina before looping back around.
Retention Pond Loop Trail starts at the parking lot at Vineyard Beach and circles the wetland pond, joining the Utah Lake Shoreline Trail on the way back. It’s great for those who want to catch sunrays, as there is not much shade. The grass-bordered pond is separated from the lake by a sandbar and mirrors the lake’s shimmer beneath the wide open sky.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
There are no bathrooms at Vineyard Beach, and the closest one is 1.75 miles away at Lindon Marina. Parking spaces are readily available, however. There are some chances to bird watch, as the marshy area near the pond is very close.
The Utes are coming off a signature 45-14 win over then-No. 17 Cincinnati back in Week 10 before they went into their second bye week of the season last week. Kyle Whittingham’s squad stayed at No. 13 in the second College Football Playoff rankings, meaning Utah has some work to do – and needs some help – to make the 12-team field.
Baylor snapped a two-game losing skid last week with a commanding 30-3 win over UCF. The Bears are led by Sawyer Robertson, who ranks fifth in the country among FBS quarterbacks in passing yards with 2,780 yards and is tied with Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza for touchdowns at 26.
Here’s what to know on how to watch Saturday’s college football matchup between Utah and Baylor, including kickoff and TV channel and streaming information:
What TV channel is Utah vs Baylor on today?
Utah vs. Baylor will be broadcast nationally on ESPN2 in Week 12 of the college football season. Lowell Galindo and Aaron Murray will call the game from the booth at McLane Stadium, with Lauren Sisler reporting from the sidelines.
Streaming options for the game include the ESPN app (with a TV login) and Fubo, which carries the ESPN family of networks and offers a free trial to new subscribers.
Can YouTube TV subscribers watch college football on ESPN2?
Utah has scored at least 45 points in each of its back-to-back games. That continues in Week 12, with Baylor’s seventh-ranked scoring offense facing the 99th-ranked scoring defense (13th in the Big 12) at 29.3 points per game.
SALT LAKE CITY – In a tight battle, the Utah Mammoth fell to the New York Islanders in overtime, 3-2. JJ Peterka and Dylan Guenther (PPG) scored for Utah in the loss.
JJ Peterka scored in his second straight game on his new line alongside Lawson Crouse and Jack McBain. The trio found plenty of chemistry quickly and Crouse set up Peterka perfectly to tap in his sixth of the season on the doorstep. John Marino also recorded an assist on the tally.
“JJ has jumped into our line perfectly,” Associate Captain Lawson Crouse explained of his line. “I think with myself, (McBain) and (Carcone), we created an identity of how we wanted to play and JJ’s complimenting that right now. We talked to him about when the play’s there, make the play, but (McBain) and I like to get in, and when you put pucks in, we’ll get it back. He’s doing a great job and reaping some rewards and getting some goals here, so it’s been great.”
Utah’s power play scored its first goal since Oct. 26 in Winnipeg. Dylan Guenther’s shot from the left faceoff circle soared past New York’s David Rittich and gave Utah its first lead of the game, 2-1. Mikhail Sergachev and Clayton Keller assisted on the power play goal.
For the eighth-straight game, Utah’s penalty kill has put up a perfect performance as the Mammoth killed off all four of their penalties tonight. Utah has gone 16-for-16 over the last eight games played, and is best in the league over this span.
“Determination and knowing the game plan and sticking to it,” Crouse explained. “(Madden) is doing a great job explaining the position strengths, and then kill’s doing a great job of buying in.”
“(Assistant Coach John Madden) puts together a really good plan for us and I think our guys are sticking to it, and they believe in it right now, and I think that’s a really good sign of (our) group,” Nate Schmidt shared. “We’re not relying on one guy to clear the puck. I think we’ve had a couple shared clears over the last couple of games that those (have been) the difference, killing off another 30 seconds of their power play. Always have to have good goaltending but right now, I think we’re in sync and we’re trusting where guys are on the backside and there’s a lot of talk about that, that always helps.”
The Mammoth defended a one-goal lead throughout the second period, and weathered surges by the Islanders. However, with under seven to play, the Islanders tied the game with a goal by Jonathan Drouin.
“Puck management was much better, I think that was good,” Tourigny shared. “If there’s one thing in our game we need to remain aggressive. We did a good job of staying composed, but we flirt with getting a little bit too passive. We need to be patient, but aggressive. We need to find that line with consistency because you become passive. The Islanders are a team who likes to be in possession. They took advantage of the fact we were not playing with as much pace in the second half of the game.”
After neither team was able to break through in the final minutes of the third, the game went to overtime. Two minutes into the overtime, Matthew Schaefer scored and the Islanders secured the win. Despite the loss, Utah finished the two-game homestand with three of four possible points.
Utah has beaten Sioux Falls, Utah State and Utah Valley by an average margin of victory of 28.6 points to start the 2025-26 campaign. Washington, meanwhile, has easily handled Seattle and Montana, …
Last year when Utah and Washington met in Seattle in a nonconference women’s basketball matchup, the Utes were the team paced by veterans and the Huskies had a young, upstart group.
The Utes were able to hand the Huskies a 67-57 loss, led by a group that included Gianna Kneepkens and seniors such as Maye Toure, Jenna Johnson, Kennady McQueen and Ines Viera.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Those roles have been reversed for their matchup this season, and all those Ute greats are no longer on the team.
Utah will host No. 25 Washington on Saturday (2 p.m. MST, ESPN+) at the Huntsman Center in the first real test of the season for both programs.
It gives the Utes a chance to build their resume and test a group that has a handful of upperclassmen mixed in with a strong contingent of freshmen.
“They’re the veteran crew. They’re the top 25 program. We have a lot of new (players), so it’s a great chance for us early in the year to get a home game against a great program and test ourselves,” Utah coach Gavin Petersen said of Washington.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
“We’re going to play hard for 40 minutes and let the results speak for themselves.”
Utah has beaten Sioux Falls, Utah State and Utah Valley by an average margin of victory of 28.6 points to start the 2025-26 campaign. Washington, meanwhile, has easily handled Seattle and Montana, winning its two games by an average of 39 points.
That makes Saturday’s matchup an intriguing one for both programs.
“Former Pac-12 foes can’t get away from each other. This is a fun one, as it’s both teams first real test of the year,” Goodman said. “Utah’s freshmen have a ton of potential, while Washington’s core remains one of the best in the country. Elle Ladine has yet to play this season, so I’ll be intrigued to see if she’s able to suit up.”
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
The Utes have been led by senior guards Maty Wilke and Lani White, who combined for 31 points, seven rebounds and five steals in Utah’s win over UVU on Tuesday.
The Utes’ intriguing group of freshmen is also getting plenty of play as well. That’s included valuable minutes for point guard LA Sneed, a former five-star recruit, Avery Hjelmstad and Evelina Otto, who’ve all flashed their potential early in the year.
For Washington, the conversation starts with guards Sayvia Sellers and Ladine, who both earned preseason All-Big Ten team honors.
Washington coach Tina Langley said Ladine, who’s missed the team’s first two games with an undisclosed injury, is “day-to-day,” according to Huskies Roundtable, making it unclear if she’ll be available in Saturday’s matchup.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Sellers, meanwhile, is averaging 20 points per game while shooting 65.4% from the field. She’s also averaging 5.5 assists and 1.5 rebounds per contest.
“They’re so versatile. They can score inside, they can score outside. They play with great pace, and they also execute at a high level. They don’t turn over the ball. They’re not going to make mistakes. You’ve got to be disciplined,” Petersen said.
While Utah has done a good job with executing Utah basketball on offense — i.e. excelling at sharing the ball and taking good shots — the Utes have struggled with turnovers. They have averaged 19.7 per game through three contests, and Washington could exploit that kind of high number.
“You’ve got to play harder than them,” Petersen said. “They have so much synergy together out on the floor. We’ve got to do something where we can disrupt it, but being disciplined (while) doing so, or else they’ll make you pay.”
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
The matchup comes as a good primer for Utah, which will play at the Basketball Hall of Fame Women’s Showcase next week. Games against Syracuse and defending national champion UConn await the Utes at the showcase, which is held at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.
The experience of playing Washington can also help the youthful Utes learn some valuable lessons that will help come conference time.
“This is going to be a great taste of what Big 12 play is going to be like. It gives us a preview to be like, ‘OK, what do we really have? What is our team really about?’ I’m excited to see how we come out,” Petersen said.
“We’re obviously preparing how we come out, how we play for 40 minutes and put four quarters together. I’m excited to see how we go about doing that against a really good program, but those are the type of teams we’re going to face in January and February, so why not do it now?”
