Utah QB Dampier Expected to Start vs. Colorado

Utah quarterback Devon Dampier was upgraded from questionable to probable and is now expected to start against Colorado after progressing in practice. Coaches said he got banged up in the loss to BYU, and Dampier acknowledged he may be limited as a runner but can rely on his passing. The junior dual‑threat has totaled roughly 1,817 yards of offense and 18 touchdowns through seven games; if he can’t go, true freshman Byrd Ficklin (9-for-9 passing in limited action and with rushing ability) would be the likely starter. Colorado (3-4) travels to Salt Lake City tonight with a heavily depleted roster (reportedly as many as 17 players out), and coach Deion Sanders said the Buffs will prepare for Utah’s scheme rather than focus on one player. Other Utah players, including Tobias Merriweather and Dallas Vakalahi, have been downgraded to out, making Dampier’s availability pivotal for the Utes’ offensive outlook in this Big 12 matchup.