Utah vs Utah State: Game Day Preview Plus Score Prediction

SALT LAKE CITY – Utah vs Utah State is just about underway on a beautiful afternoon up in Logan. Utah is looking to improve to 3-0 on the season and finished non-conference unblemished.

The Battle of the Brothers rivalry has been renewed for the first time since 2015. The game is being played in Logan for the first time since 2012.

Today’s matchup is one that has taken on a different feel as Utah will be without star quarterback Cam Rising.

Utah vs Utah State

Game Info

Location: Maverick Stadium

TV: CBS Sports Network

Rado: AM 700

Records: No. 12 Utah (2-0); Utah State (1-1)

Last Week: Utah def. Baylor, 23-12; Utah State lost to USC, 48-0

.@Brett_McMurphy tells @JeremiahJensen & @AlexKirryKSL that Utah QB Cam Rising had stitches on his throwing hand. pic.twitter.com/2RWJ6Z7hFD

— 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone (@KSLSportsZone) September 13, 2024

Three Game Day Thoughts

1. Bryson Barnes vs Utah Defense

If you listened to the Utah Blockcast with Keanu Tanuvasa this week, you know there is respect for the Utah State signal caller but Utah has a job to do.

And the job of the defense is to make things rather difficult for the Utah State quarterback.

Given Barnes’ time in the program, there is a deeper understanding of how things work at Utah. However, Utah also knows what Barnes does well and where he may struggle.

So, how Morgan Scalley approaches this game in terms of scheme and playcalling will be interesting. Don’t be surprised to see a much more aggressive game plan.

2. Utah aiming for a big day on the ground

There is a lot of excitement around Isaac Wilson and the opportunity to get an extended look at him. But today’s offensive attack will very likely be tilted toward a heavy rushing attack.

Kyle Whittingham and his staff will want to shorten this game as much as possible. The best way to do that will be through controlling the ball with the run game.

Micah Bernard finished last week 2 yards shy of 120 rushing yards. He and Mike Mitchell will be counted on to lead the way this week.

For Utah to have the sort of day they want, they will need a big day from the ground game.

3. Success for Isaac Wilson

The biggest storyline in this game is the absence of veteran quarterback Cam Rising. Given what’s on the line for Utah this season, Rising is a vital piece to it all. He isn’t available for Utah today, which puts the spotlight on true freshman Isaac Wilson.

Wilson doesn’t need to be the hero. He doesn’t need to throw for 200-300 yards. He simply needs to execute the offense and take advantage of opportunities when they are there.

There will be easy looks for him. He will have chances to throw the ball down the field. It’s all up to him to take command, play with confidence, and execute to the best of his abilities.

Want to enjoy football instead of worrying about parking and other nuisances? Check out our comprehensive fan guide for the Battle of the Brothers… ⚔#CFB #AggiesAllTheWay #GoUteshttps://t.co/5mjulVpQK3

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) September 12, 2024

Two Utah vs Utah State Questions

1. Filling in for Karene Reid? 

Utah will be without linebacker Karene Reid. It seems Utah will rely on Sione Fotu and Johnathan Hall to fill in for him.

Will Hall actually be the guy playing the majority of the snaps? Or will it be Fotu? Regardless, there is a lot of intrigue around these two and how well they play.

Hall in particular garners a lot of interest given his move from safety and what dynamic that could potentially to the linebacker corps.

RELATED: Utah Football LB Karene Reid Likely Out Vs. Utah State

2. How much better will special teams be this week? 

Punter Jack Bouwmeester has improved his average to 50.4 yards, which is up 5 yards from his average last season.

However, it was a rough start to the season for Utah’s kicking and return teams.

Kicker Cole Becker missed two field goals well within his range on top of a botched PAT. He’s now 1-of-3 for the season on field goals. Utah absolutely needs better from him.

Meanwhile, punt return is currently averaging less than 5 yards a return. Mycah Pittman flashed some potential with a 17-yard return last but more is needed there.

One Score Prediction for Utah vs Utah State

This has all the makings of an ugly slugfest. Whittingham and staff have no issue with that being the case. All that matters to Utah’s brain trust is a win.

Utah needs to establish the run by generating efficient yardage through the initial stages of the game.

Wilson needs to be opportunistic and provide his playmakers with good, accurate throws.

Utah’s defense will be fired up for this matchup and will play a huge role in today’s game.

Still, Utah State will find a way to punch one into the end zone.

Utah 27, Utah State 10

You can find Utah football’s conference schedule here.

Steve Bartle is the Utah insider for KSL Sports. He hosts The Utah Blockcast (SUBSCRIBE) and appears on KSL Sports Zone to break down the Utes. You can follow him on X for the latest Utah updates and game analysis.

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