Utah Utes Coach Kyle Whittingham Has QB Situation 'Figured Out'
Getting hit with another injury was the last thing coach Kyle Whittingham's Utah Utes needed, but it happened anyways as their injury-riddled season continued.
“Unfortunately we took another hit at running back and Chris [Curry] is out," Whittingham announced Tuesday. "It’s really been tough getting guys back. It seems like when they come back they almost immediately get something else."
Curry's injury, which he sustained Monday, was confirmed to be season ending, bringing an already hurting Utah team even more trouble than it was already dealing with. There is some good news, however.
The Utes seems to have their quarterback situation figured out.
Between Bryson Barnes, Nate Johnson and Cameron Rising, the Utes have sat in an unfavorable position since Rising — their ideal stater — hasn't played a single game. Between Johnson and Barnes, Utah was able to put together a 4-0 start, but since those first four outings, the Utes' offense seems to be at a standstill.
And still, there isn't any set date for Rising's return as Pac-12 play rages on.
Whittingham addressed the Utes' decision to not pick up a transfer quarterback in the offseason, and while his reasoning made sense, it's left the Utes without a true solution. Neither Barnes or Johnson have truly set themselves apart from each other to warrant being named the full-time starter ... so what next?
Unfortunately for Utes fans, the answer to that won't be cut-and-dried anytime soon. It could come in the form of a named full-time starter. Or Rising's announced return. Even a combination of the two.
Whatever Whittingham decides to roll with may remain a mystery for now, but given the Utes' season-long struggles, even a slight but of hope is better than nothing.
The Utes' "figured out" quarterback situation is set to debut against Cal Berkeley in Utah's third straight Pac-12 faceoff. Kickoff from Rice-Eccles Stadium is set for 1 p.m. MT.
