Utah football lifted its record to 9-0 for the first time since 2008 by beating BYU 28-20. But Utes fans received one scare involving star running back Wayshawn Parker. Which left fans hoping for good news nearly 24 hours after beating their fiercest rival.

ESPN college football insider Pete Thamel dropped a deep, and promising, update there on Sunday evening.

“He’s dealing with a bruise, and is expected to play on Saturday at No. 22 Arizona,” Thamel posted on the social media website X, formerly Twitter. “He was limited against BYU after appearing to injure himself on the opening drive, as he carried the ball only twice in the first half.”

Parker settled for only 2.6 yards per carry against the nationally-ranked Cougars. He walked in averaging an astonishing 6.6 yards per carry. Parker also brought nine touchdowns in tow to the Holy War showdown.

Turns out Utah didn't need to rely heavily on Parker. Not with dual-threat quarterback Devon Dampier becoming a do-everything type. Dampier did more than throw a touchdown pass too. He rushed for multiple scores and even caught one deep pass on a trick play.

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So Utah will expect Parker to be healthy for the next big showdown on the unbeaten Utes' schedule. Arizona escaped an upset attempt by TCU on Friday and will have Tucson rocking when Utah arrives. This heavyweight Big 12 Conference showdown surely will impact the College Football Playoff race. Especially if Arizona pulls off the upset of the Utes.

Utah's 9-0 starts brings this omen, however. Utah ended that 2008 season undefeated by trouncing a Nick Saban-led Alabama team in the Sugar Bowl.