Oct 21, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham celebrates after the game against the Southern California Trojans at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Editor’s note: Eleventh in a 12-part series previewing each of Iowa State’s 2024 regular-season opponents.
AMES — Utah lost its star quarterback, tight end and running back last season. Injuries also beset the defense, but the Utes still managed to eke out eight regular season wins — a triumph considering the supersized adversity the program faced in what turned out to be their last season in the Pac-12.
The Big 12 beckoned amid last summer’s conference realignment-based tumult, and Utah appears poised to stand atop its new league from week zero. Big 12 media members made the Utes the favorite to win the conference title — and given the star power that returns, it’s easy to see why.
Quarterback Cam Rising is back after missing the 2023 season because of an injury sustained in the Rose Bowl. All the 6-2, 220-pound native California did in the previous two seasons is throw 46 touchdown passes to just 13 interceptions, while sprinkling in 12 touchdown runs in that span.
Simply put, he’s a star, and now he has top tight end Brant Kuithe back, along with talented running back Micah Bernard.
Kuithe — who missed all but four games last season because of injury — boasts two seasons that featured 600-plus receiving yards in his long-winding college career. Bernard — who played in just two games last season because of an off-the-field injury — averaged nine-plus yards per carry in 2021 and 2022.
The transfer portal’s helped fill voids at wide receiver and on defense. That unit lost star EDGE rusher Jonah Elliss to the NFL, but should remain stout at each level, especially with experienced transfers dotting the secondary.
Iowa State vs. Utah: 3 things to watch
**Can the Cyclones stop Bernard (and company)? Rising’s track record for mobility, coupled with Bernard’s ability to attack with explosive bursts could tax ISU defensive coordinator Jon Heacock’s always-stout rushing defense. Throw in solid backup Jaylon Glover (562 yards, two touchdowns) and it’s clear the Cyclones’ run defense will be the key to potentially keeping a win within reach.
**Will ISU be able to run the ball effectively? Abu Sama and his fellow Cyclone backs could have trouble getting through a massive Utah defensive line anchored by all-Big 12 preseason selection Junior Tafuna. The Utes are also loaded at linebacker, with two starters returning in Kerene Reid and Lander Barton. Utah allowed just 82.8 rushing yards per game last season (fourth-best nationally).
**How will the Cyclones handle the atmosphere? It’s possible ISU will still be in contention to attain a spot in the Big 12 title game late in the season, but it’s exceedingly probable Utah will be atop the league standings when the two teams meet at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Expect a frenzied and packed house that will provide plenty of distracting noise when ISU’s trying to call plays.
2024 prognosis
Utah’s fully planning to be part of the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff this season — and for good reason. If the Utes stay healthy, they’re a top-10 caliber team and with so much on the line for them in a Nov. 23 game at home, Matt Campbell’s Cyclones will be decided underdogs in their final road game of the season.
Source link : https://cyclonefanatic.com/2024/07/looking-ahead-for-isu-football-week-11-the-utah-utes/
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Publish date : 2024-07-19 14:25:20
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