close
close
news

Utah enters the BYU game with a plan at Quarterback

SALT LAKE CITY — It’s rivalry week for the state’s two most prominent programs. For Utah, this season has not gone according to plan in any respect. It’s been a season full of nightmare scenarios and outcomes.

As Utah begins their preparations for game week, they will do so with public uncertainty surrounding the quarterback position. The bye week was spent evaluating the position in a renewed quarterback battle.

RELATED: TV Info, Kickoff Time Revealed for First Big 12 BYU/Utah Rivalry Game

Utah split reps evenly between true freshman Isaac Wilson and third-year sophomore Brandon Rose, hoping to find a spark offensively. While it won’t be known until the offense takes the field, Utah knows — or at least has a plan — who the quarterback will be.

“Yes, we have a plan now and we’re keeping it to ourselves,” Whittingham said of the quarterback situation. “We have a plan for the future; nothing is ever set in stone, but we have a situation that is best for us and gives us the best chance to win. ”

Lots of faith in freshman Isaac Wilson

“Overall, we have a lot of confidence in Isaac,” Whittingham said. “We still think he has a big advantage.”

This season hasn’t gone according to plan, especially at quarterback. That encompassed and influenced the plan surrounding Wilson and his involvement this season.

“We didn’t know he would be put in the starting role after a game and a half of the season,” he said. “The idea and plan was that Cam stays healthy, Isaac gets sporadic playing time and continues to develop.”

RELATED: DJ & PK’s best Utah/BYU rivalry moments: Utes seize rivalry momentum at Jake Heaps’ expense

The increase hasn’t been healthy, and Wilson has now racked up nearly 400 snaps this season. While it was difficult, these pictures will benefit him in the long run, and there is still plenty of the season to play out.

“Everything accelerated and I don’t want to say it’s unfair to Isaac because there are other true freshmen in the country who find themselves in a starting role,” he said. “The bottom line is we have a lot of confidence in Isaac and it will be important to see how the year turns out.”

Brandon Rose from Utah has been practicing well

Returning to the Houston game, Brandon Rose made his first action of the season. He finished the game 7 of 15 for 45 yards and one interception, but he flashed as a signal caller within moments.

“Brandon had practiced extremely well as a number two, and given the circumstances it made sense to give him a chance and see what he could do,” Whittingham said. “He’s playing his best football as a Ute, at least in practice,” he said. “He has done well in training and is still improving.”

RELATED: The Big 12’s introduction to the BYU-Utah football rivalry: Brief overview of the series

Rose joined the program as part of the 2022 recruiting class, coming to Utah with fellow quarterback Nate Johnson. After renaming his freshman year, Rose was set to compete for the “backup” job last year.

“He did a good job; He was doing really well last year and then had that injury that kept him out for six or eight weeks, which really set him back,” Whittingham said of the third-year quarterback. “During spring ball (last spring), he got some reps. Isaac also had some repeats, but Brandon has made steady and continued progress since being in the program.”

What happened to Cam Rising?

Rising injured his throwing hand in the team’s game against the Baylor Bears. His finger injury would cost Rising the next three games.

After returning to action in a week seven game against Arizona State, Rising suffered another injury. Rising was rolled up three plays into the game and suffered a lower leg injury.

After further investigation, the injury was deemed season-ending. Now a few weeks removed from the injury, Whittingham said Rising would undergo surgery sometime this week.

Rising did not indicate his future plans, but Whittingham added that Rising would need some time after his surgery to determine them.

Steve Bartle is the Utah insider for KSL Sports. He hosts The Utah Blockcast (SUBSCRIBE) and appears on KSL Sports Zone to break down the Utes. You can follow him on X for the latest Utah updates and game analysis.

Take us with you wherever you go.

Download the new and improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. You can stream live radio and video and stay up to date with all your favorite teams.

Related Articles

Back to top button