The Utah Utes are one of the best teams in the Pac-12. Last week, the Utes opened the college football season by opening a can on the Florida Gators in Salt Lake City. They did that without starting quarterback Cam Rising, who missed Week 1 against the Gators with an ACL injury. That injury has not healed sufficiently enough for Rising to make his 2023 season debut.
ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that Bryson Barnes will suit up again and start against the Baylor Bears. Rising’s torn ACL has not fully recovered yet, so he’s not expected to see the field against the Bears.
“Sources: Utah’s Cam Rising not expected to play against Baylor today. Utes will start Bryson Barnes again and have another significant package for dynamic back-up Nate Johnson,” Thamel said.
Sources: Utah's Cam Rising not expected to play against Baylor today. Utes will start Bryson Barnes again and have another significant package for dynamic back-up Nate Johnson. https://t.co/04UJBJBK7Q
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) September 9, 2023
Last season, RIsing completed 64.7 percent of his passes (249-35), threw for 3,034 yards, 26 touchdowns, and just eight interceptions. He’s thrown 46 career touchdowns for Utah and just 14 career interceptions. Last year, he helped lead Utah to its second consecutive Pac-12 Championship. ‘
Suffice it to say, Cam is one of the most important players in the conference on one of its best teams. While Utah had no problem taking care of Florida last week, following Rising’s status will be one of the biggest factors in the Pac-12 race this season.
