SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Byrd Ficklin passed for two touchdowns and ran for another in his first career start to lead Utah to a 53-7 win over Colorado on Saturday night.

Ficklin, a true freshman, filled in for injured starter Devon Dampier and hit the ground running – literally. He piled up 163 yards and a touchdown on the ground by halftime and finished with 291 yards on offense.

Wayshawn Parker added 145 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries to help the Utes (6-2, 3-2 Big 12) become bowl eligible after winning just two conference games a year ago. Utah ran for a season-high 422 yards – eclipsing 400 rushing yards for the first time this season.

“I told (the offensive line) before the game, ‘We go out here and have fun, and play our game, we’re gonna do something great,’” Ficklin said. “And

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