CFP Rankings: Utah Utes Officially Out of Contention?

Utah came in at No. 18 in the CFP ranking for the second straight week, and while finishing 10-2 is a possibility, it'll be far from easy for them to do so.

It's been a long season for the Utah Utes. 

They've struggled with quarterback issues all season, and have faced the scrutiny that's come with "barely" beating some teams and even losing to others. They couldn't really help it, though. 

Aug 31, 2023; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Utes quarterback Bryson Barnes (16) looks to pass against the Florida Gators at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports / Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports

Going between Bryson Barnes and Nate Johnson to start the season, Utah's entire fanbase followed the path of a sine-wave. Johnson does well, and the Utes have a "No Cam Rising, no problem" situation. Barnes does well? The same. 

And when neither was doing well enough to become the full-time starter, it became "How soon can Rising return?" 

The latter question was never answered. In fact, it seemed to be danced around multiple times throughout the year until it finally came to a head: Rising would not be returning, and the Utes would have to make do. 

That resulted in some tough matchups against ranked Pac-12 opponents, and by proxy, some tough losses. 

Luckily, the Utes were able to get back on track with a blowout victory over Arizona State, but where does that leave them in the polls? 

Coach Kyle Whittingham's squad remained unchanged. Sitting at 7-2, the Utes are ranked No. 18 for the second straight week with three games to go. 

The good news for the Utes is that they have a ranked spot secured and a chance to finish 10-2 — still not CFP contenders, but great considering the injury woes they've experienced. The bad news, however, is that 10-2 might be out of the question. 

To accomplish that feat, Utah will have to knock off Washington and Arizona — the former of which will be competing for one of the four playoff spots itself. So, it won't be easy, but at the same time, nothing about this season has been for Utah.

Even so, the schedule will have to play out, and up first is the Washington. 

No. 18 vs. No. 5. The stage is set, and it's up to the Utes to make themselves known. 

Kickoff from Husky Stadium is set for 2:30 p.m. CST.