Nothing has quite been the same at Utah since quarterback Cameron Rising tore his ACL against Penn State, New Year’s Day of 2023. It feels like a lifetime ago, but the Utes were two-time reigning Pac-12 champions and 19-4 in games that Rising started and finished since he earned the starting quarterback job in 2021. In every way, this was a program set to cement itself as a college football power.
After suffering yet another injury in 2024, a hand laceration, Rising returned to action for the Utes against Arizona State. His dismal performance was the worst-case scenario for the No. 16 Utes as their spot in the Big 12 title race and an automatic College Football Playoff berth is on life support after starting the year as preseason favorites.
In a 27-19 loss to Arizona State, Rising looked like a shell of himself. The 25-year-old threw three interceptions, including a backbreaker as the Utes tried to tie the game. He completed only 43% of his passes, including 2-of-9 for 11 yards to start the game. Half of his completions were to either running backs or tight ends.
Utah put together only one touchdown drive, which came with 3:19 left in the third quarter. Every other point came on field goals from kicker Cole Becker. Four plays after Utah’s touchdown, Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo erased it with a 50-yard touchdown run. The Utes had zero counterpunch. After the game, coach Kyle Whittingham acknowledged that Rising is still not 100%.
Rising’s ACL injury after the 2022 season was a tough break for Whittingham and one of the top coaching staffs in college football, which had to piece together a QB platoon the entire 2023 season. At the same time, it’s been two years. To be this far out from the Rose Bowl and have no other…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/why-utahs-loss-to-arizona-state-exposed-utes-failure-to-prepare-for-life-after-qb-cameron-rising/
Author : Shehan Jeyarajah
Publish date : 2024-10-12 13:48:17
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