Not many would have thought Utah would be in this position without their starting quarterback Cam Rising. The Utes are No. 13 in the country with a 6-1 record and are coming off a big win over USC on the road.
And all of this has been done by switching quarterback numerous times between Bryson Barnes and Nate Johnson, neither of whom has been spectacular, but both of whom have been serviceable.
It’s been the Utah defense that has held everything together and it’s that defense that will give the Utes a good chance against Oregon this Saturday. They have one of the best defensive ends in the country as well as an opportunistic and fundamentally sound unit that gives Utah a fighting chance, no matter who is at quarterback.
Currently, it looks as if Barnes has won the job after his good game at USC, but he has shown to be inconsistent at best.
These are the five Utes Oregon needs to pay close attention to if the Ducks want to get out of Rice-Eccles Stadium with a win on Saturday.