In a matchup that initially had the University of Utah supporters indulging in celebratory antics, the tide swiftly turned concerning as quarterback Cam Rising was sidelined due to an injury. During their clash against Baylor, the Utes managed to secure a 23-12 victory, yet the triumph was overshadowed by the potential implications of Rising's exit from the game. As Deseret News reports, on the stark contrast between the game's upbeat start and its more sobering developments. Before his departure, Rising had completed two touchdown passes, including one that involved a 28-yard reception by Money Parks and another with a 2-yard connection to Micah Bernard.
Despite the setback with Rising's condition, which remains to be fully disclosed in terms of severity, the Utes demonstrated a solid defensive front. They held Baylor to minus-10 yards in the initial quarter, with Baylor's total offensive output stunted at just 48 yards by halftime, as per Deseret News. Baylor's quarterback Dequan Finn, who was struggling to gain ground against the Utes' staunch defense, threw for 115 yards and a touchdown, his efforts dampened by a fumble loss and three sacks, according to FOX 13.
The Utes were not just defensive stalwarts. Their offensive display included a neat trick play that saw Money Parks score a 28-yard touchdown following a fake handoff to Dijon Stanley, which Fox cameras and Baylor's defense both fell for, as reported by Deseret News. This play, coupled with Bernard's reception from Rising, gave Utah an early and commanding 14-0 lead.
Nonetheless, it wasn't all smooth sailing for the Utes, their special teams met with their set of challenges. Head coach Kyle Whittingham expressed his dissatisfaction, noting missed opportunities and execution errors. "Special teams was disappointing," Whittingham said. "We need to be better on special teams. Missed two very makeable field goals, we botched a PAT, had a couple of touchbacks on punt. You shouldn't have a couple of touchbacks all year, let alone one game," he said, per KSL. In reflection of Rising's premature exit and special teams woes, the game's final whistle was perhaps more a sigh of relief than a cause for unbridled jubilation among Utah faithful.
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