USC Football: Utah Head Coach On The Possibility of His All-Pac 12 QB Returning Against The Trojans

Could we see the return of Utah's top signal-caller?
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The USC Trojans are coming off the ugliest loss of the Lincoln. Riley era thanks to their arch-rivals, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. It was one to forget, and the Trojans must now turn the page as they have another tough matchup ahead. 

The Trojans will return home to take on the team that beat them twice in the Utah Utes. You know the Trojans had this game circled on their calendar when the schedule was released. A win will not only get them back on track, but it will somewhat avenge the 2022 team that lost to Utah in mid-October to give them their first loss of the season and in last season's Pac-12 title game. 

A lot is at stake for both teams, and these Utes may not be a full strengthen by Saturday. The Utes are dealing with some injuries, including their former All-Pac-12 quarterback, Cam Rising. 

Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham spoke to the media on Monday and addressed whether Rising and his tight end Brant Kuithe will be available this Saturday and beyond. 

“That’s a good question. Again, it’s just a situation where we’re just waiting week after week for a thumbs up. Here we are at the midpoint, so I don’t want to say the clock is ticking, but we would love to have either or both of those guys back as soon as possible. But again, it’s just a waiting game and waiting for the go-ahead, waiting for the green light.”

(Per Kyle Whittingham via 247Sports)

Rising has yet to play in 2023 after suffering a torn ACL in last year's Rose Bowl game against the Penn State Nittany Lions. 

Kuithe is also dealing with a torn ACL he suffered early last seaosn against Arizona State. The odds of both playing this Saturday are bleak;  however, there is optimism of both playing later this season. 

We'll see if the Trojans can take advantage of the short-handed Utes and get their first dub over them in quite a while. 


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