The Big 12 spotlight shifts west this weekend as the No. 17 Cincinnati Bearcats visit the No. 24 Utah Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium on Saturday night. Cincinnati

Dampier is expected to start for No. 24 Utah against No. 17 Cincinnati this Saturday, according to a report from CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz. This season, Dampier has led Utah to a 5-2 record, throwing for 1,375 yards and 13 touchdowns with four interceptions on 69% accuracy and rushing for 442 yards and five touchdowns.

Cincinnati ranks 128th in the FBS averaging 71.5 penalty yards per game, compared to Utah's 66th-ranked 54.4 per-game average. Both teams have strong red zone offenses. Utah is 24th in FBS, scoring on 91.7% of red zone trips. Cincinnati's red zone offense ranks 4th at 97.1%.

The Bearcats and Utes released their latest injury reports entering their game action on Saturday. Cincinnati football has one star missing this game after Evan Pry

Cincinnati loses RB Evan Pryor (ankle) for the Utah trip, with hope for a Nov. 15 return vs. Arizona. How the Bearcats adapt on the road.

Utah has manhandled lesser competition but struggled against the best teams on its schedule. Time to put up or shut up.

The Bearcats (7-1, 5-0 Big 12) are tied atop the Big 12 standings with No. 10 BYU but face a tough path to reach the league title game in Arlington, Texas, with games against the Utes this week and the Cougars in late November still on the docket.

Smith was the "GameDay" guest picker in 2023 for Utah's game against Oregon, which might deter ESPN from choosing him again. Weddle, one of the best players in Utah history, is another potential option.

No. 24 Utah is pulling out all the stops, uniform-wise, ahead of the Utes’ big game against No. 17 Cincinnati on Saturday.