Defensive Lineman Van Fillinger Inactive Tonight Against Arizona

SALT LAKE CITY – The University of Utah Utes have been dealing with significant injuries all week and the defensive line suffered a blow when sophomore defensive end Van Fillinger was not able to play against the Arizona Wildcats.

Defensive end Van Fillinger is inactive tonight for @Utah_Football #GoUtes

— Brian Preece (@bpreece24) November 5, 2022

This will be Fillinger’s first missed game this season.

Fillinger has 18 tackles and five sacks for the Utes in 2022.

Arizona Wildcats (3-5, 1-4) vs. No. 14 Utah Utes (6-2, 4-1)

The Utes limped out of Pullman, Washington a bit last week with a win and are hoping to be in better health this week. On the other hand, Arizona is coming off of a game where they gave USC everything they could possibly handle for 60 minutes but came up short.

FOOTBALL GAMEDAY‼️

🏈 @Utah_Football vs @ArizonaFBall
⏰ 5:30pm MT
📍 Rice-Eccles Stadium
📺 @Pac12Network
📻 @ESPN700
📝 https://t.co/0o77o3Fyj3#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/GAh8JpQ1VA

— Utah Athletics (@utahathletics) November 5, 2022

With aa win, Utah keeps their Pac-12 title hopes alive. Arizona needs to win three of their final four games to become bowl eligible.

Last week against Washington State, guys that hadn’t been depended on a lot through the season to that point had to step up and carry the team. Barnes, Glover, and Jackson did a good job pulling their weight when Rising, Bernard, and Kincaid weren’t able to go.

Who will it be this week? Even if Rising, Bernard, and Kincaid are all good to play, it seems safe to assume Utah will still need guys to step up and help carry the load for some of their leaders while they work their way back in.

Run To Win?

The Utes currently rank fourth in the Pac-12 in rushing offense even without Tavion Thomas (non-injury reasons) for most of the season.

Micah Bernard and quarterback Cam Rising have largely been responsible for that production the past few weeks, however, both players are on the “banged up” list which means if they do play, they most likely won’t be asked to run much if at all.

Great team win! #GoUtes pic.twitter.com/PdwSOQGFGD

— Jaylon “2 Piece” Glover 💨 (@officiallyyjay1) September 25, 2022

Utah does have two up-and-coming running backs in freshman Jaylon Glover and quarterback-turned-running back Ja’Quinden Jackson that could be leaned on against the Wildcats.

Last week against Washington State Glover 20 carries for 76 yards and one touchdown. He was averaging about 3.8 yards per carry. Jackson had 10 carries for 43 yards and a touchdown while averaging 4.3 yards per carry.

How To Watch

Fans can watch the game on Pac-12 Network or listen to Utah football action on ESPN700 AM.

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