After a four-week absence, Cam Rising’s return to the field was meant to be a boost for the Utah Utes. Instead, his comeback on Friday against Arizona State ended in another injury and a poor performance, leaving the team’s season hanging by a thread. The seventh-year quarterback was injured just one minute into the game but played through the pain, raising serious questions about his health and Utah’s path forward.
A Comeback Cut Short by Injury
The hope surrounding Cam Rising’s return lasted exactly one minute. On an early tackle, an Arizona State defender fell awkwardly on Rising’s right leg, bending it at a dangerous angle. Though he got back up, he was visibly limping for the rest of the night.
Despite the new injury, Rising remained in the game, playing his first full four quarters since the 2022 season. However, it was clear he was not himself. He was still wearing a glove on his throwing hand from a previous injury and was now dealing with a significant lower-body issue.
“He got rolled up on, and that lower leg injury limited his movement,” head coach Kyle Whittingham stated after the game. “He’s banged up.”
A Gritty but Flawed Performance
Playing through multiple injuries took a heavy toll on Rising’s effectiveness. The veteran quarterback struggled to find any rhythm, completing only 16 of his 37 pass attempts for 209 yards and throwing three costly interceptions.
His limitations were obvious throughout the contest:
- He was unable to plant his right foot properly when throwing.
- His passes were frequently off-target due to poor timing with his receivers.
- The lack of mobility made him an easy target in the pocket.
Even with these struggles, Coach Whittingham never considered pulling him for freshman backup Isaac Wilson. “No, Cam wanted to play,” Whittingham said, defending his choice. “He’s won a bunch of games for us, and that’s who we trusted out there.”
Utah’s Problems Run Deeper Than QB
While Rising’s health is the primary concern, Utah’s offensive woes are not new. The team has sputtered all season, particularly in critical situations. Inconsistent play-calling and a complete inability to execute in the red zone have plagued the Utes in every loss.
Whittingham took responsibility for the team’s ongoing issues. “We got out-coached, no doubt about it,” he admitted. “We know our deficiencies — and the truth is, we just haven’t fixed them.”
The performance against Arizona State highlighted these core problems.
| Key Metrics | Result vs. Arizona State |
|---|---|
| Red Zone Conversions | Below 50% |
| Turnover Margin | -2 |
| Missed Tackles | Double-digits |
“If we don’t improve in the red zone, we might not win another game this season,” Whittingham warned.
An Uncertain Road Ahead for the Utes
With their Big 12 title hopes fading, the Utes face a difficult decision. The coaching staff must now weigh the benefits of playing a veteran but severely injured quarterback against the potential of a healthy but inexperienced freshman.
Whittingham explained that the next few days will be crucial in evaluating Rising’s condition. “Adrenaline gets you through game day, but it’s the following days when you really feel the damage,” he said. The team needs to decide if sticking with Rising is a gamble worth taking.
Time is running out for Utah to salvage its season. Whether Rising is on the field or not, the team needs to find answers for its widespread problems, and they need to find them fast.
