It’s hard to count out the Utes (4-1, 1-2 Big 12) because coach Kyle Whittingham and his staff tend to figure stuff out. They also will get a crack at two of the teams currently in a three-way tie for first atop the conference with 3-0 records. The Utes have a November stretch against No. 14 BYU, at Colorado and vs. No. 11 Iowa State.

It’s looking more and more likely that Utah will be playing the role of spoiler when the Holy War is renewed on Nov. 9 rather than the Cougars — which must have Utes fans seething already.