Utah Riding With Bryson Barnes At QB After Blowout Loss Against Oregon

The Utah Utes struggled mightily against the Oregon Ducks

On Saturday, the No. 13 Utah Utes were obliterated by the No. 8 Oregon Ducks by a score of 35-6.

The swagger and physicality the Utes displayed in their past few games had evaporated. The improvement on offense had regressed, and for the first time all year, the stout defense that pushed other teams around was embarrassed by Heisman candidate Bo Nix. 

On Monday, Kyle Whittingham was asked if he would still be starting Byrson Barnes moving forward or if he would give Brandon Rose, who was at one point in line to start for the Utes, a chance. Whittingham assured the media that while Rose may get some reps and maybe even suit up, right now they are still riding with Barnes who has started the last three games after Nate Johnson replaced him earlier in the season. 

"Whoever gives us the best shot will be the guy," said Whittingham, 

Utah QB Bryson Barnes Gets Hit  / Gabriel Mayberry-USA TODAY Sports

Barnes had a tough showing against the Ducks who rank as the No. 16 defense in the country, as he was picked off a couple of times, while he and the offense could only muster two field goals. 

As a unit, the Utah offense has been struggling all year, mostly in part because of all of the injuries that have taken key players out of the equation. They rank as the No. 103 offense in the country, and simply haven't been as dynamic as they have been in the past couple of years with Rising at the helm. 

The Utes will face another tough defense this weekend, as they are hosting Arizona State.