PODCAST · sports
The Utah Checkdown
by The Utah Checkdown
Host Josh Furlong talks all things Utah athletics, with an emphasis on football and basketball.
Episodes
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Previewing Colorado | How a 24-team playoff only benefits Utah
Host Josh Furlong breaks down everything Utes fans need to know heading into Saturday’s road tilt against Colorado — from Isaac Wilson leading the Buffaloes' offense to the defensive keys in the trenches. Plus, a dive into the growing buzz around a 24-team College Football Playoff, Morgan…
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Recapping Utah’s 5-0 start in Morgan Scalley’s first season and what it means
The Utes are 5-0, but are they getting will they get national respect they deserve, especially with the team's strength of schedule? In this episode, host Josh Furlong breaks down several points: The Kansas recap: Dissecting the 41-24 victory, Wayshawn Parker’s dynamic night, Devon Dampier’s…
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Previewing Kansas | Could the Jayhawks pose a problem to the Utes off a bye week?
Football is back at Rice-Eccles Stadium after a two-week break, and the Utes are preparing for a "whiteout" matchup against the Kansas Jayhawks. Host Josh Furlong breaks down whether Kansas’ top-10 offensive and defensive metrics are legitimate threats or just paper stats padded by weak...
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Is it really that tough to rank the top 25 teams? A peek inside the AP voting process
Ever wondered how the AP Top 25 college football poll actually comes together — and just how stressful it is to submit a weekly ballot? On this edition of The Utah Checkdown podcast, host and AP voter Josh Furlong pulls back the curtain to give listeners (and viewers) a fully transparent look at...
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Should the Wayshawn Parker Heisman campaign begin? Recap of Iowa State
The Utes went on the road into Jack Trice Stadium, weathered a third-quarter storm, and walked away with a 31-17 victory over Iowa State to start Big 12 play 1-0. In this episode, host Josh Furlong breaks down Utah’s hard-fought road win, analyzes the national perception surrounding the program,...
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Previewing Iowa State | Can Utah carry forward its momentum on the road?
Big 12 play is officially here, and No. 15 Utah faces its first true road test of the season with a trip to Ames to take on Iowa State. In this episode, host Josh Furlong breaks down everything you need to know ahead of Saturday’s conference opener, examines key roster developments, and brings on…
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Are the Utes being undervalued? A look at Utah’s 3-0 start and a Utah State game recap
Nonconference play is officially in the books, and the Utah Utes are sitting at an unblemished 3-0. But as Big 12 play looms, one big question remains: Is Utah finally getting the national respect they deserve, or are critics still holding back? In this episode, host Josh Furlong breaks down: The...
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Previewing the friendly in-state rivalry game that could turn ugly quick
The Battle of the Brothers is back! In this game-preview episode of The Utah Checkdown, host Josh Furlong dives deep into Utah’s final nonconference tune-up as the Utes host Utah State at Rice-Eccles Stadium. In this episode: The "friendly brotherhood" dynamic: Why the Utah-Utah State rivalry...
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Utah football broke Arkansas, as Kevin McGiven emerged as the mad scientist
Utah made a big statement in Week 2, and the fallout has completely broken Arkansas fans. Host Josh Furlong breaks down a wild weekend across college football, recaps Utah’s dominant 43-10 win over Arkansas at Rice-Eccles Stadium, and analyzes what the result means for the Utes on the national...
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Utah shines in Scalley debut + Previewing Arkansas and the night game factor
Real football is back — and there are plenty of stats to break down! In this week's episode of The Utah Checkdown, host Josh Furlong recaps the opening week of college football and sets the stage for a big nonconference showdown. In this episode: Week 1 look back & Kyle Whittingham’s Michigan...
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Utah football season outlook, Dampier's growth & the Idaho preview
Football season has officially arrived! In this episode of The Utah Checkdown, host Josh Furlong breaks down everything you need to know heading into Game 1. In this episode: Week 0 takeaways: Why TCU’s messy season-opener in Ireland could change the landscape of the Big 12. Morgan Scalley’s…
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Moment of Loudness gets an upgrade + Utah season hot takes!
Game day is less than a week away, and the new era of Utah football is officially here. In this episode, host Josh Furlong breaks down key takeaways from assistant coach media availability, analyzing what new offensive coordinator Kevin McGiven’s balanced scheme means for Devon Dampier and the...
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Utah files suit against former coach + takeaways from fall camp
With kickoff just under two weeks away, host Josh Furlong breaks down everything you need to know about Utah football heading into the season opener against Idaho. From full fall camp takeaways to off-field news and national rankings, get the complete breakdown right here on The Utah Checkdown...
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Positive vibes from Utah's first week of camp + a look at the Utes through the lens of Brett Ciancia of Pick Six Previews
Fall camp is underway, and those within the Utah football program are feeling optimistic about where they're at in the first part of camp. Host Josh Furlong recaps the first week of fall camp and talks about the biggest storylines coming away from Morgan Scalley's first season as head coach. He...
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Previewing a Black Friday night game against West Virginia
Ahead of the 2026 season, we conclude the scheduling series preview with a look at West Virginia. The Utes closeout the season with a Black Friday night game, with hopes of a Big 12 title berth on the line. Host Josh Furlong breaks down a West Virginia team that looks to build on a losing season,...
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Monster takes over the Big 12 + takeaways; a look at TCU football
The Big 12 concluded its media days last week, previewing the upcoming 2026 football season. Host Josh Furlong recaps the two-day event, including Brett Yormark's introductory comments and conversations with Utah head coach Morgan Scalley and the four players who joined him in Frisco, Texas. He...
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Big 12 media day preview and storylines; a look at Arizona football
Next week is Big 12 media days, and there will be several big storylines for the University of Utah. Host Josh Furlong previews Big 12 media days and what will be the top storylines for Utah and the conference. He also continues his scheduling series preview with a look at Utah's next opponent...
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Morgan Scalley goes heavy on in-state recruiting; a preview of BYU football
It's been a busy couple weeks, with the NCAA making a change to its eligibility rules and allowing FCS teams to take part in join practices. Also, Utah signed a new apparel outfitter with Adidas, which will start next year. Host Josh Furlong breaks down why that matters and how it could impact...
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Texas Tech fights back against the world + Previewing Cincinnati football
The Brendan Sorsby saga continues as it becomes Texas Tech against the world. Host Josh Furlong breaks down the latest with Sorsby and how it could impact the Big 12 moving forward. The Big 12 will be meeting this week and next to decide a path forward. He also previews the official visitors for...
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Courts deliver major blow to Big 12, NCAA + Previewing Houston football
It's already been a busy week for college athletics, with the news about Brendan Sorsby's injunction dominating the news cycle — for good reason. Host Josh Furlong jumps into a busy week that featured returning players to Utah, a handful of commitments for football and the perilous saga that...
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Lance Holtzclaw takes on Congress + breaking down Colorado football
Utah defensive end Lance Holtzclaw testified at a Senate committee hearing this week as it discussed a bill to "save" college sports. His testimony was used to help support student-athletes. Host Josh Furlong recaps the Senate hearing and what it all means, as well as provides some additional...
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Concerns over Utah’s PE deal; breaking down Kansas football
Utah made headlines last week with some of the details coming out about its private equity deal. Host Josh Furlong jumps into the details and addresses where the private equity deal and what it means for Utah. Could this be the first sign of trouble or is it a necessary step to get Utah past the...
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Big 12 spring meetings + Football schedule series look at Utah State, Iowa State
The Big 12 will host its annual spring meetings this week, with College Football Playoff expansion the biggest talking point for the week's meetings. Host Josh Furlong gives a quick primer on what will be discussed this week, as well as some updates on other college football matters. He then...
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Utah tops Big 12 win totals + Football schedule series look at Arkansas
The betting odds are out for the Big 12, and this time it's a look at the win totals for the conference. At the top is a couple familiar names that should be of interest to the state of Utah. Host Josh Furlong takes a look at the latest odds to see where Utah fits in for the season. He also…
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Post-spring offensive position breakdowns + official visit SZN (recruiting) ramping up
The offensive side of the ball will be one of the most intriguing elements of Morgan Scalley's first season as head coach for Utah. And while spring was a success, how will it translate to the fall? Host Josh Furlong jumps into the offensive side of the ball with a post-spring position breakdown…
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Early Big 12 odds an intriguing look into Utah's title chances + defensive position breakdowns
The end of spring camp for programs around the country ushers in the beginning of sportsbooks releasing their odds for the upcoming football season. Host Josh Furlong takes a look at the first odds that were released for the Big 12 and talks about what it could mean about Utah's chances in the…
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Texas Tech’s gamble shakes up Big 12 title race + Utah football changes
Utah football made history on Thursday as two of its offensive tackles were drafted in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft. Host Josh Furlong recaps the NFL draft and where all the former Utah players landed and what's at stake for them. He also looks into a shakeup in Morgan Scalley's staff…
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Spring camp recap + NFL draft weekend preview
The NFL draft begins Thursday, and two Utah linemen are expected to go in the first round. Host Josh Furlong previews the upcoming draft and gives a look at who could be drafted and where over the three-day event. He also recaps the men's and women's basketball transfer portal haul and who was...
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Basketball transfer portal talk + spring football highlights
The basketball transfer portal opened up this week, with several Utah players on both the men's and women's team placing their names in the portal. Host Josh Furlong provides an update on who is in the portal and who is coming back to see what the 2026-27 rosters will look like. He also provides...
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Streak ends: Where did the Red Rocks go wrong?
The longest-running streak in the NCAA has come to an end. After 49 straight seasons, the Red Rocks failed to advance to nationals for the first time in program history. It was a heartbreaking end to the season for the Red Rocks. Host Josh Furlong breaks down the regional final to understand what...
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Is Utah football right to cancel its spring game + spring camp highlights
Utah athletics chose to cancel its spring game this season, instead opting for a Fan Day at the conclusion of spring camp. Host Josh Furlong jumps into the decision by Utah and weighs the options that were available to the football program amid uncertainty in the NCAA. Was it the right decision…
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Breaking down Kyle Whittingham's exit at Utah + spring camp takeaways
Kyle Whittingham made headlines for his offseason shift from Utah to Michigan, but the details surrounding his exit were released on Friday. Host Josh Furlong breaks down the details surrounding Whittingham's exit, including a look at the documents that paint the story of how the university chose...
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Red Rocks need a change + football storylines ahead of spring camp
As March Madness descends upon the country, the Utah men's program will be on the outside looking in for another season, but the women will take part in the WBIT to continue their postseason opportunities. The Red Rocks also transition to their respective postseason, but did its affiliation with...
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Basketball season ends amid uncertainty + football defensive position breakdowns
The basketball season has mostly come to an end, with the women's team still looking for a postseason opportunity. Host Josh Furlong recaps the Big 12 basketball tournament for both the men's and women's teams, while looking ahead to the 2026-27 rosters. He also does a check-in on other Utah...
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Utah offensive tackles shine at NFL Combine + defensive position breakdowns
The NFL Combine concluded this weekend, with both Utah offensive tackles having a standout performance. So how did each player do and what does it say about their draft stock? Host Josh Furlong breaks down the combine and what took place, as well as provides an update on the Red Rocks and this...
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Talking Utah’s need for PE money, NFL Combine + offensive position breakdowns
The NFL kicked off its combine this week, and five former Utes players will take part in the testing and drills. Host Josh Furlong takes a brief look at their fit and what this week could mean for each player. He also takes a look at Utah Athletics finances and discusses why private equity…
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Ranking Big 12 QBs + Utes QB position breakdown
It's the offseason, so what better way to navigate it than by ranking the incoming Big 12 quarterbacks. Many are familiar names, while a majority are new to their respective programs in an offseason of change. Host Josh Furlong tells you who these players are and then attempts to rank them going...
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NFL Combine invites, Big 12 ‘surprise’ + Utah’s new plans for the Huntsman Center
It may be the offseason for football, but there's a lot happening at the University of Utah. Host Josh Furlong provides updates on several elements that affect Utah athletics, including a new plan to renovate the Huntsman Center. Should Utah renovate or would they be better off relocating to a...
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Can Utah be the next Indiana? + football schedule release, portal talk and a revisit of preseason bold takes
After Indiana was crowned champion on Monday, every non-blueblood program in the country had hope they could have a similar path to a national championship. Host Josh Furlong breaks down the "Indiana way" to see if that works for Utah and their hopes at a national title. Can Utah actually see a...
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Devon Dampier’s decision + stepping back on Whittingham saga
Devon Dampier made his decision on his future public Tuesday. Host Josh Furlong recaps his decision and what it means for Utah going into the 2026 season. He also weighs into the on-going Kyle Whittingham saga that continues to impact Utah. He concludes with a look at the transfer portal…
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Morgan Scalley preaches the gospel of Utah football + portal updates
Morgan Scalley was officially introduced as the new head coach of Utah football on Tuesday, and he delivered a passionate vision of the future. Host Josh Furlong recaps the press conference, the passion from the long-time Utah fan, and what it means for Utah football. He also provides an update…
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Morgan Scalley securing wins early in his tenure
From Las Vegas Bowl theatrics to roster turnover, Utah football has been busy over the last few weeks — and Morgan Scalley already has several wins. Host Josh Furlong recaps the last few weeks that saw Kyle Whittingham move to Michigan, Scalley take over as head coach, Utah win a bowl game, and...
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An end of an era with Kyle Whittingham + Morgan Scalley named head coach + PE drama?
It was a busy week for Utah athletics last week, with multiple historic changes. Host Josh Furlong breaks down all that took place last week, including Kyle Whittingham stepping down as head coach of the football program and Morgan Scalley taking over as head coach. He highlights Whittingham's...
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Utah in Las Vegas + looking ahead to 2026 and portal priorities
Utah's bowl destination is set, with the Utes traveling to Las Vegas for an exhibition meeting with the Big Ten's Nebraska. Host Josh Furlong provides a quick glimpse into the New Year's Eve game and how Utah matches up with Nebraska, but does a deeper dive on what Utah's roster priorities are…
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The future of Kyle Whittingham and changes with Utah football + Signing Day updates
As Utah prepares for an eventual bowl game at the end of the month, the future of the program hangs in the balance. Host Josh Furlong discusses whether Kyle Whittingham is retiring and what his timeline will be, or if he's coming back for another season. He has a deadline to decide by Friday. He...
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Recapping Utah's final farewell that turned chaotic and entertaining + Big 12 title implications
Utah had no business winning on Saturday, but in improbable fashion the Utes got it done in the final minutes of the game. Host Josh Furlong recaps the wild game, and talks about how Utah got it done on a night many believed to be Kyle Whittingham's last at Rice-Eccles Stadium. What does it all...
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Utah’s style points win and a path to the Big 12 championship game
Utah continued its season with another blowout win — this time on the road at Baylor. Host Josh Furlong recaps the most recent game, as well as jumps into the top storylines that came out of the game. Like does Utah have a chance to secure both Devon Dampier and Byrd Ficklin for the next season?…
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Does Utah have a chance at the College Football Playoffs?
On Tuesday, the College Football Playoff selection committee did the Big 12 a solid and had three of its teams ranked inside the top 15. Is it a favorable spot for the conference or just an early nod that will wilt in the coming weeks? Host Josh Furlong weighs in on the initial rankings and where...
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Big 12 title game possibilities, QB controversy, previewing Cincy
For Utah's goals to remain intact, there's not a lot of room for error in the final four games of the season. But there's still a a chance for a Big 12 title game appearance for the Utes. So what do those scenarios look like? Host Josh Furlong breaks down Utah's path, while also jumping into a...
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Devon Dampier's health, the nuances of Utah's field goal situation, and a Colorado preview
The name of the game is moving on for Utah football. But there's still some holdover from the rivalry game, including a little more context into why Kyle Whittingham was so insistent on using analytics on fourth downs. Host Josh Furlong jumps into the nuances of Utah's fourth-down frustrations…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Host Josh Furlong talks all things Utah athletics, with an emphasis on football and basketball.
HOSTED BY
The Utah Checkdown
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