The Utah Checkdown

Big 12 play is officially here, and No. 15 Utah faces its first true road test of the season with a trip to Ames to take on Iowa State.
In this episode, host Josh Furlong breaks down everything you need to know ahead of Saturday’s conference opener, examines key roster developments, and brings on a special guest to look at the national college football landscape:
The Big 12's initial availability report: Analyzing the conference’s first official injury and availability report of the season.
Trench matchup in Ames: Breaking down Iowa State’s front behind defensive coordinator Jesse Bobbitt, how their scheme compares to Utah defenses of the past, and why slowing down dynamic running back Aidan Flora on the edge is the defense’s top priority.
Cyclones Head Coach Jimmy Rogers’ game plan: Audio from Jimmy Rogers breaking down why Utah’s offense and how the multiple option looks and how the dual-QB attack forces opposing defenses into mental overload.
Big 12 Hotline Update with Jon Wilner: Renowned college sports insider Jon Wilner joins the show for his weekly segment to discuss why Utah and BYU could be on a collision course for a top-10, high-stakes November showdown in Salt Lake City that could decide the Big 12 title and playoff picture. And he gives his prediction on Saturday's game.
 
Follow Josh Furlong on social media platform X @Josh_Furlong or on Instagram @jfurksl.

Nonconference play is officially in the books, and the Utah Utes are sitting at an unblemished 3-0. But as Big 12 play looms, one big question remains: Is Utah finally getting the national respect they deserve, or are critics still holding back?
In this episode, host Josh Furlong breaks down:
The AP Top 25 voting process: A transparent look inside Josh’s official AP ballot, how the consensus poll really works, the debate over who belongs, and addressing voter bias perceptions.
Big 12 action & playoff perception: Can the Big 12 realistically get two teams into the College Football Playoff? Plus, takeaways from West Virginia’s win, Texas Tech's performance against Houston, and why the November showdown with BYU is looking more and more like a high-stakes title eliminator.
Advanced analytics love the Utes: Why advanced metrics like Bill Connelly’s Resume SP+ and Brian Fremeau’s FEI game ratings have Utah ranked in the top two nationally.
Recapping the 33-0 shutout win over Utah State: Utah’s first FBS shutout in years, preserving the zero in the red zone, and holding the Aggies under 200 total yards.
Devon Dampier’s pocket poise: Why the box score doesn’t tell the whole story of Dampier’s continued maturation as a passer from the pocket.
Morgan Scalley’s aggressive identity: Scalley’s candid thoughts on going for two, testing unconventional looks, and playing to dictate the game.
Follow Josh Furlong on social media platform X @Josh_Furlong or on Instagram @jfurksl.

The Battle of the Brothers is back! In this game-preview episode of The Utah Checkdown, host Josh Furlong dives deep into Utah’s final nonconference tune-up as the Utes host Utah State at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
In this episode:
The "friendly brotherhood" dynamic: Why the Utah-Utah State rivalry carries a completely different tone than the BYU rivalry, and how fans from both sides teamed up online this week.
History of the series: Looking back at the series' wild moments, from the bug-infested press box night when Chuckie Keeton stunned Utah in 2012 to the 2024 battle in Logan.
Utah State’s rocky start: Breaking down Bronco Mendenhall’s 0-2 Aggies after an FCS stumble against Idaho State and a missed fourth-quarter comeback bid in a 16-14 loss at Washington.
The Aggies' QB dilemma: Will Utah State stick with McCae Hillstead or Grady Brosterhaus? Josh analyzes Brosterhaus' tough showing in Seattle, his 10% turnover-worthy play rate, and what Mendenhall revealed about the battle under center.
Bronco Mendenhall on Utah’s offense: The Aggies' head coach praised Kevin McGiven’s "conflict play" designs, Devon Dampier’s playmaking engine, and why stopping Utah’s diverse backfield looks like defending option football.
Follow Josh Furlong on social media platform X @Josh_Furlong or on Instagram @jfurksl.

Utah made a big statement in Week 2, and the fallout has completely broken Arkansas fans.
Host Josh Furlong breaks down a wild weekend across college football, recaps Utah’s dominant 43-10 win over Arkansas at Rice-Eccles Stadium, and analyzes what the result means for the Utes on the national stage:
Big 12 weekend fallout: Oklahoma State stuns No. 6 Oregon in Stillwater, Texas Tech survives a battle at Oregon State, and BYU outlasts Arizona in Provo.
AP Top 25 ballot breakdown: Josh defends his official AP ballot, explains the Texas vs. LSU No. 1 dilemma, and details why Utah’s rise to No. 17 is turning heads across the country.
The Arkansas disassembly: How Utah’s trench play overwhelmed an SEC front, why Razorbacks fans reached total meltdown mode on postgame call-in shows.
Jireh Moe & defensive success: Breaking down sophomore defensive tackle Jireh Moe’s game-wrecking performance, Johnathan Hall’s impact, and how the Utes held Arkansas to just 10 points.
Offensive chaos & Kevin McGiven’s playbook: A deeper look at Utah’s creative sets — including the viral four-across backfield with Devon Dampier, Byrd Ficklin, Wayshawn Parker, and Daniel Bray — and Morgan Scalley’s take on how tempo and personnel rotations create defensive booth headaches.
Follow Josh Furlong on social media platform X @Josh_Furlong or on Instagram @jfurksl.

Real football is back — and there are plenty of stats to break down! In this week's episode of The Utah Checkdown, host Josh Furlong recaps the opening week of college football and sets the stage for a big nonconference showdown.
In this episode:
Week 1 look back & Kyle Whittingham’s Michigan chaos: A wild ending in Ann Arbor, the controversial Hail Mary finish, and what to make of Whittingham’s debut with the Wolverines.
Big 12 weekend shakeups: Oklahoma State's stumble against Tulsa, Dave Aranda’s hot seat after Baylor’s loss to Auburn, and what early results mean across the conference.
AP Top 25 ballot breakdown: Josh talks his top 25 ballot, breaks down LSU's big leap, and explains why Utah, BYU, and Texas Tech remain tightly grouped in the rankings.
Utah vs. Idaho postgame look: Breaking down the Utes’ 633-yard offensive explosion, Devon Dampier’s Big 12-leading average depth of target, and Byrd Ficklin’s viral sidearm dime. Plus, what Morgan Scalley had to say about the dual-QB packages and offensive line depth.
Arkansas game preview: What to expect Saturday night at Rice-Eccles Stadium against the Razorbacks. Josh breaks down Arkansas coach Ryan Silverfield’s comments on Utah’s run game, the late kickoff time, and the trench battles that will decide Week 2.
Tune in now on your favorite podcast platform and get set for kickoff at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
Follow Josh Furlong on social media platform X @Josh_Furlong or on Instagram @jfurksl.

Football season has officially arrived! In this episode of The Utah Checkdown, host Josh Furlong breaks down everything you need to know heading into Game 1.
In this episode:
Week 0 takeaways: Why TCU’s messy season-opener in Ireland could change the landscape of the Big 12.
Morgan Scalley’s first game-week presser: What the new head coach had to say about his mindset, keeping perspective, managing line rotations, and turning the defense over to Colton Swan.
Offensive evolution & versatility: Why Utah is unlocking more dynamic looks across the receiver and tight end rooms without getting "too cute."
Devon Dampier’s next step: Breaking down Dampier’s growth as a vocal leader, how he plans to balance pocket poise with his dynamic playmaking, and what Big 12 air yard analytics say about his passing potential.
Season predictions: A deep dive into Team Rankings projections, win-probability metrics, and a trap spot on Utah’s 2026 schedule.
Idaho season opener preview: Breaking down the Vandals’ Week 0 heartbreak against Cal Poly, key players to watch (including dual-threat QB Joshua Wood and WR Tony Harste), and what Utah’s looks to do Thursday night.
Tune in now on your favorite podcast platform and get set for kickoff at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
Follow Josh Furlong on social media platform X @Josh_Furlong or on Instagram @jfurksl.

Game day is less than a week away, and the new era of Utah football is officially here.
In this episode, host Josh Furlong breaks down key takeaways from assistant coach media availability, analyzing what new offensive coordinator Kevin McGiven’s balanced scheme means for Devon Dampier and the playbook.
Plus, we explore the depth across the tight end room, assess question marks along the defensive interior, look at recent stadium experience updates, and discuss the 2026 team captains and leadership council.
He closes out the show with his official 2026 season hot takes!
Follow Josh Furlong on social media platform X @Josh_Furlong or on Instagram @jfurksl.

With kickoff just under two weeks away, host Josh Furlong breaks down everything you need to know about Utah football heading into the season opener against Idaho.
From full fall camp takeaways to off-field news and national rankings, get the complete breakdown right here on The Utah Checkdown Podcast.
In this episode:
AP Top 25 Reactions: Analyzing Utah’s spot at No. 21, the Big 12's four ranked programs (Texas Tech, BYU, Utah, Houston), and how preseason voter perspective shapes expectations.
Freddie Whittingham Lawsuit: Breaking down the report of the University of Utah filing a breach-of-contract lawsuit against the former tight ends coach following his move to Michigan.
Fall Camp Position-by-Position Takeaways: Devon Dampier’s health, poise, and chemistry with the offense. Wayshawn Parker leading a deep room alongside Daniel Bray, Steve Chavez-Soto, and freshman LaMarcus Bell. And sorting out the starting five, the stability at left tackle with Zereoue Williams, and true freshman Kelvin Obot making noise.
Follow Josh Furlong on social media platform X @Josh_Furlong or on Instagram @jfurksl.

Fall camp is underway, and those within the Utah football program are feeling optimistic about where they're at in the first part of camp.
Host Josh Furlong recaps the first week of fall camp and talks about the biggest storylines coming away from Morgan Scalley's first season as head coach. He also breaks down his rare opportunity to follow Scalley around for a day.
He jumps into the early rankings to see where Utah fits, while projecting forward for the season.
And then joining the podcast is Pick Six Preview magazine creator Brett Ciancia to talk about the upcoming season and where the Utes fit in this season in the national landscape.
Follow Josh Furlong on social media platform X @Josh_Furlong or on Instagram @jfurksl.

Ahead of the 2026 season, we conclude the scheduling series preview with a look at West Virginia.
The Utes closeout the season with a Black Friday night game, with hopes of a Big 12 title berth on the line. Host Josh Furlong breaks down a West Virginia team that looks to build on a losing season, but how much more can Rich Rod get out of his team?
Follow Josh Furlong on social media platform X @Josh_Furlong or on Instagram @jfurksl.