Utah
Deadspin | No. 17 Colorado not looking past scuffling Utah
No. 17 Colorado tracks on a clear path to the Big 12 Championship Game and a potential spot in the College Football Playoff, while Utah strives to play spoiler when the teams square off Saturday afternoon in Boulder, Colo.
A three-game winning streak has the Buffaloes (7-2, 5-1 Big 12) in second place in the Big 12 and the subject of additional national media attention. The Buffaloes boast an explosive offense led by Shedeur Sanders, two-way star Travis Hunter, wide receiver LaJohntay Wester, and a defense that has become more physical throughout the season.
But the success is all outside noise for Colorado coach Deion Sanders, who said he’s focused on the next game and not looking back at how the Buffaloes overpowered Texas Tech last week in a 41-27 victory. The defense racked up seven sacks, 11 tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries — including Shilo Sanders’ fumble recovery for a touchdown to ice the game — and an interception.
“I never take a step back,” Deion Sanders said. “I take a step up. I always have my head out the window and want to see around the corner.”
Because Jimmy Horn Jr. didn’t play after he suffered a lower-body injury in the first half against the Red Raiders, Deion Sanders said he won’t know the status of the senior wide receiver until he practices this week. Horn has 33 catches for 434 yards and a touchdown for an average of 13.2 yards per reception,
“It’s going to be day-by-day,” Deion Sanders said. “We hope he’s able to work Thursday. If he gives us a good Thursday and Friday, then he’s a go.”
Utah (4-5, 1-5) finds itself in an unfamiliar position near the bottom of its conference standings. The Utes moved to the Big 12 in August but were perennial Pac-12 contenders. An injury to seventh-year senior quarterback Cam Rising, who is out for the season, has Utah in danger of missing a bowl game.
But the Utes looked plenty dangerous in pushing No. 6-ranked BYU to the brink last week. Freshman quarterback Isaac Wilson is questionable with an injury and sophomore Brandon Rose got his first career start in the Utes’ 22-21 loss to archrival and Big 12 leader BYU in the “Holy War.”
“Our plan was to keep Cam healthy,” Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said. “We didn’t expect Brandon or Isaac to be thrust into the position they have been in, but that’s how things played out. Given the environment and circumstances and everything he was up against Brandon did an admirable job.”
Despite their record, Deion Sanders said Colorado can’t overlook Utah. He said Whittingham was a “pillar of the Pac-12 and Big 12.” He added he wished he could “accomplish a portion” of what the Utes’ coach, who has been at the school 31 years and head coach for 20 years, has done.
“They haven’t quit, they are still tough, aggressive and stout defensively,” Deion Sanders said. “They can still do some things that force you into some looks. You cannot take this team lightly; I don’t care what their record is. As long as (Whittingham) is over there on that sideline, you better be prepared for a tough game.”
–Field Level Media
The Utah Jazz won their final summer league game against the Portland Trail Blazers 83-79. It was a fun game that came down to the wire, with a few Jazz players showing promise that could help the team.
The player who surprisingly didn’t help as much as you’d hope was Blake Hinson, who shot just 1/9 from three. Hinson was a sharpshooter for the Jazz last season, and it’s too bad that he couldn’t show that shooting stroke in the summer league. It’s likely not a big deal, but it would have been nice to see that shooting continue in the summer league. It does make you wonder why all the players who played for Utah last season, or will be getting regular minutes next year, didn’t shoot well in Las Vegas. Is that a trend? Or is it just a coincidence? It makes you wonder if the Jazz have been running hard practices, or if the players are tired from enjoying their time in Las Vegas? There’s no way to really know, but it’s interesting.
Utah’s strongest performer, in terms of plus-minus, was Bez Mbeng. He was a team-leading +14 and, even though he didn’t shoot the ball well either, his defense and intensity really shows on the floor. In this one, Mbeng had 4 steals and handled the ball for a lot of the game. He was also one of the top players in minutes with 20 in this one. I personally really like Mbeng and I’m rooting for him to make the team. I do think he can be a defensive-focused do-it-all player who could really contribute if he keeps improving.
Justin Harmon scored the ball well, leading the team in scoring with a team-leading 21 points. He had 6 free throws in this one and was a positive contributor overall. Harmon could be a nice addition to the training camp roster and, if he can show out, maybe he can earn himself a roster spot. He’s worth watching going forward at the very least.
And with that, the summer league is now over, and we now enter a long summer that will lead into one of the most exciting eras of Jazz basketball I can remember. It will be led by the best prospect in Jazz history to actually suit up for the Utah Jazz, and I can’t wait to see him develop into a superstar wearing the purple and blue.
Jon Anderson will be charged with moving the Orem school forward following the death of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk on campus last year.
(Bethany Baker | The Salt Lake Tribune) Incoming UVU President Jon Anderson poses for a photo with his family after an event announcing his selection at Utah Valley University in Orem on Friday, July 17, 2026.
BEAVER COUNTY, Utah — A massive community effort is underway as volunteers and Beaver County crews distribute thousands of sandbags to protect homes from the potential path of floodwaters.
After the Cottonwood Fires, residents have been waiting for weeks for relief to come in the form of rain, though officials now warn it may come all at once with an increased risk of flooding and debris flow.
Emergency Service Director Les Whitney believes that the fire has left plenty of debris to bring trouble for residents.
“We got a lot of water. We’re bringing debris with it, so tree branches, tree limbs, logs, lots of different size firewood, and that’s all in the creeks. We’re worried about that plugging up our bridges and stuff, so we have heavy equipment and excavators located in strategic places so that we can keep those bridges open,” said Whitney.
An estimated 140 homes and condominiums were spared from the flames, but remain in the paths of floodwaters.
Residents can also pick up sandbags at the Beaver County Sheriff’s Office or at the Beaver County Rodeo Fairgrounds.
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