Utah looks to get back on track against Houston

Preseason Big 12 favorite Utah will have a new offensive coordinator calling plays as it looks to get back on track at Houston on Saturday in the teams' first meeting since 1978.

The Utes (4-3, 1-3 Big 12) carry a three-game losing streak that's seen them plummet in the league. The latest setback was a 13-7 loss at home to TCU last week. Utah, with true freshman Isaac Wilson at quarterback, gained just 267 yards, never reached the red zone, and either punted or turned the ball over on downs on 13 of their 14 drives.

That performance, and the Utes' overall offensive struggles, cost longtime offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig his job. Utah announced Sunday evening that Ludwig had stepped down, with his position filled in the interim by Mike Bajakian.

Bajakian is in his first year as an offensive analyst after a stint as offensive coordinator for Northwestern from 2020-23.

"The system is the system -- there will obviously be tweaks but we'll address those as they come," Bajakian said. "We're going to emphasize doing the little things, from our effort to our physicality, to trying to change things with our passion and energy."

The Cougars (2-5, 1-3) head home after a 42-14 dismantling by host Kansas last week. Donovan Smith entered the game in the second quarter after starting quarterback Zeon Chriss suffered a quad injury and passed for 173 yards and two TDs. But Smith was also picked off three times.

Smith, who's been battling a balky throwing shoulder, is expected to start Saturday, with Chriss available in an emergency role. Wide receiver Mekhi Mews produced a breakout performance in the loss to Kansas, setting career highs in receiving yards (99) and receptions (six).

Houston has been outscored 115-44 in its four Big 12 games and is searching for an identity on offense.

"Everybody's frustrated a little bit, and there's things we can get better at," Cougars coach Willie Fritz said. "I've told the players on numerous occasions: We got to play well if we are gonna win. We just got to play well all three phases."

Saturday's game will be the Cougars' first at home since Sept. 28. Houston is 4-0 in its previous four meetings with the Utes.

--Field Level Media