Why Utah RB Wayshawn Parker needs a strong two-game stretch to reach his first 1,000-yard season

Utah Utes running back Wayshawn Parker entered his junior season being focused on personal growth both on and off the field. One of his biggest goals was to put together a 1,000-yard season.

After falling just short of the mark in 2025, Parker was ready to make it happen this year. Four games into the season, he's just off the pace and will have to turn up the heat a bit. That's easier said than done given the complexity of Kevin McGiven's offense. Not saying it's not possible, but Parker will have a two-game window to help push his efforts forward.

When you look at Utah's remaining games on the schedule, the next two, against Kansas and Colorado, are the best back-to-back in terms of rushing yards allowed. The Jayhawks allow 100 yards per game on the ground, while Colorado struggles to hold up at the line of scrimmage with 130.2.

This is the only stretch of games with Big 12 opponents who allow over the century mark in rushing yards. In essence, Parker needs to get it done in the next two games. After Kansas and Colorado will be Houston, who is the best in the conference, allowing 65.4 yards per game. Cincinnati is towards the bottom at 141.6 yards per game.

Then comes a tough three-game stretch to open up the final month of the season. This starts with BYU and the Holy War rivalry. The Cougars allow opposing rushers 75.0 yards per game, which is the second-best mark in the conference. Arizona and TCU are in the top half as well. The season finale against West Virginia will give Parker his best opportunity. The mountaineers are dead last, giving up 168.4 yards per game.

Overall, if you take Parker's average for this season, he's on pace for 984 yards. This is better than the average total allowed by Utah's remaining opponents, which is 859.2 yards. Either way you look at this, Parker needs a few breakout games for the 1,000-yard plateau to become a reality in Salt Lake City.

If Parker can duplicate what he did two weeks ago against Iowa State, the Utes will be in great shape, and he'll push himself deeper into the conversation as one of the best rushers in the conference.

No. 12 Utah hosts Kansas on Saturday, Oct. 10 at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City. Kickoff is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.

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