For its first two games without Rising, the Utes were able to escape with wins. In spurts, Isaac Wilson looked the part, becoming the first true freshman quarterback in program history to win a game over an AP Top 25 ranked against then-No. 14 Oklahoma State two weeks ago.

Whittingham has made it clear that Rising is one of the top quarterbacks in the nation, and his presence on the field would be a huge boost for the Utes. "All I'll say is Cam Risi

Coming off a disappointing 23-10 loss to Arizona last week, Utah’s offensive problems were exposed, especially in the passing game. Cam Rising has missed the last three and half games with injured fingers on his throwing hand against Baylor,

The Utes, now 4-1 overall and 1-1 in Big 12 play, played without their starting quarterback, Cameron Rising, who is still recovering from a hand injury sustained on September 7. Freshman quarterback Isaac Wilson led the offense but struggled to convert in key moments, throwing two interceptions and failing to capitalize in the red zone.

During Utah’s bye week, Whittingham emphasized that the veteran quarterback “wants to play worse than anybody.”