Utah Utes may be without Tavion Thomas against Washington State
After whats been a tough season for the running back group as a whole, the Utah Utes may be without veteran running back Tavion Thomas against Washington State on Thursday.
Utah Utes running back Tavion Thomas (9) runs for a touchdown against Southern Utah Thunderbirds linebacker Kohner Cullimore (46) in the first quarter at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports.
Following a series of events that included Thomas departing early from the USC game, some vague responses by Kyle Whittingham and some comments by Thomas on social media, it appears unlikely that Thomas will play against the Cougars.
When you expand the Utah Football Instagram post, there are several comments by Thomas where he says, "Go get it," and "Ima be watching n cheering," which very well could mean he'll be watching his team from the sidelines.
If the Utes are in fact without Thomas on Thursday, it's likely we'll see a lot more touches from Jaylon Glover and Ja'Quinden Jackson as Micah Bernard is reportedly out as well.
Utah Utes running back Jaylon Glover (1) runs the ball in to the end zone for a touchdown in the third quarter against the Southern Utah Thunderbirds at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports.
To this point in the season, Glover has posted 158 yards and two touchdowns on 37 carries (4.1 Avg). Meanwhile, Jackson has 74 yards and a touchdown on just 16 carries (4.1 Avg).
Even though Utah will have to adjust if they are without their two primary backs, the Utes should still manage just fine.
Through seven games, Washington State is allowing an average of 243.6 yards per game through the air compared to just 123.7 on the ground. With what Rising has been doing as of late, both on the ground and especially through the air, Utah's offense will still have plenty of ways to move the chains and get into the end zone.
While nothing has been confirmed by the team, if Thomas and Bernard do in fact sit out on Thursday, hopefully this is just a temporary setback and they'll be able to return to the field soon.
For now, all eyes are on Glover.
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