Utah’s Bryson Barnes Starts At QB Against Washington State

SALT LAKE CITY – Utah’s Bryson Barnes started at quarterback against the Washington State Cougars instead of junior standout Cam Rising.

The Cougars hosted the Utes at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Washington.

Barnes got the nod as QB1 for Utah. It was the quarterback’s first career start. Rising began the game on the sideline dressed in his uniform with a yellow jersey and headset on.

Bryson Barnes is playing QB tonight. #Utes

— Michelle Bodkin (@BodkinKSLsports) October 28, 2022

During the first quarter of action, Barnes was 3/8 passing for 25 yards. He also ran the ball four times for 20 yards.

Utah and Wazzu were tied at the end of the opening 15 minutes, 0-0.

Bryson Barnes starts at QB tonight for @Utah_Football

Cameron Rising is seen on the sidelines pic.twitter.com/tKEIcPI9sd

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 28, 2022

At halftime, FS1 reported that the move was “precautionary” after Rising got “banged up” during Utah’s win over USC on October 15.

Petros Papadakis and Jeff Levering share what they know about Bryson Barnes starting over Cam Rising tonight for Utah ⬇️🎙 pic.twitter.com/79R4Y4M5Fm

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 28, 2022

This season, Barnes has thrown the ball six times for 98 yards and a touchdown.

Last season, Rising suffered an injury during the Rose Bowl Game and was replaced by Barnes.

Barnes originally walked on at Utah in 2020 and didn’t play during his first season in Salt Lake City.

During his time at Utah, the Milford, Utah native has completed eight passes with 100 percent accuracy for 121 yards and two touchdowns. During his time at Milford, Barnes was a three-time first-team all-state honoree and won 1A MVP as a junior.

No. 14 Utah vs. Washington State

Utah opened its season with a disappointing three-point loss on the road to the Florida Gators. After that, the Utes went on a four-game winning streak that included a pair of Pac-12 Conference victories. Following a loss on the road to the UCLA Bruins, the Utes bounced back with a 43-42 win over the Trojans in Week 7. A bye week last week will have the Utes well rested for another conference foe in Washington State.

The Cougars opened their 2022 slated on a hot streak, winning their first three contests, including a road win over the Wisconsin Badgers. However, after a home loss to the Oregon Ducks, the Cougars have lost three of their last four games and the last two in a row.

The Utes and Cougars have previously played each other 19 times. Utah owns a 10-9 lead in the series all-time. The Utes won the last meeting between the two schools, 24-13, in 2021.

Utah’s game against Washington State is broadcast on FS1 and 700 AM.

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