‘Can’t Get Right!’ Utah Utes Not Pac-12 Pushovers, Says Analyst

The Utah Utes are set to face one of their toughest opponents yet in USC Saturday, but despite being short-staffed, they still won’t be helpless against the Trojans.

Just because the Utah Utes have struggled to hold down a quarterback this season — to no fault of their own — doesn’t mean they’re Pac-12 pushovers. 

Riding an impressive 5-1 record, given the circumstances, Utah is still convincingly in the top-15 with tough schedule challenges ahead. But while that will be difficult to overcome, the Utes aren’t going down without a fight. 

CBS Sports analyst Josh Pate made that very clear Friday.

Utah Utes junior safety Cole Bishop hypes up the crowd at Rice-Eccles stadium.  / Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports

"Don't assume you can get right against Utah," Pate said. "There are some teams that you can look at as 'get right' teams, but no one gets right against Utah." 

Pate was referring to Utah’s battle with injuries this season. Despite being 5-1 and ranked No. 14, the Utes aren’t at their full potential, having lost eight players for the reminder of the season among a myriad of others throughout the year. 

That’s where coach Kyle Whittingham’s squad’s depth comes in. Even with the large amount of injuries, Utah isn’t a pushover, and will look to knock off reigning Heisman winner Caleb Williams and company Saturday. 

But even if USC does come away victorious, Pate still says it wouldn’t have been an easy task. 

"You might beat them," Pate said. "But they may be up on you in the fourth quarter. ... I think Utah, even without [Cam Rising] at quarterback, has a real shot at winning the game."

Regardless of how the game shakes out, Utah’s resilience will be telling. If they keep it close, there’s reason to believe the Utes are still the same dominant squad when healthy. And when their players return, it could mean a lot tougher of task awaits their opponents next season. 

They’ll just have to show that.