No. 16 Utah hoping to have quarterback Cameron Rising back against Arizona State

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Quarterback Cameron Rising could be back for No. 16 Utah for Friday night's game at Arizona State.

Then again, he could miss another game.

Utes coach Kyle Whittingham, as has been the case the past two seasons, has sparked optimism about his star quarterback's return without committing to anything.

“We're crossing our fingers and hoping for the best, as is Cam,” Whittingham said this week. “We're just seeing how things play out.”

Rising took a star turn with his performance against Ohio State in the 2021 Rose Bowl before suffering a concussion late in the loss. He again was stellar in the postseason the following year, earning MVP honors at the Pac-12 championship game before suffering a severe knee injury at the Rose Bowl.

The Utes had hoped Rising would return last season and Whittingham often expressed optimism, but it never happened. Rising ended up redshirting.

Utah (4-1, 1-1 Big 12) had high expectations in its move back to the Big 12 this season, in part because of Rising's health.

It lasted until midway through the second game.

Rising dislocated and cut a finger on his throwing hand and has missed the past three games. Utah had a bye last week after losing to Arizona, giving Rising extra time to heal and, possibly, play Friday night.

“Since there is no (injury report) mandate, why would you tip your hand in any way shape or form with injuries,” Whittingham said. “It doesn't make any sense to give the opponent any more knowledge than they already have.”

Isaac Wilson has thrown for 830 yards and six touchdowns with seven interceptions in place of Rising.

Sun Devils rising

Arizona State (4-1, 1-1) suffered through a difficult first season under coach Kenny Dillingham a year ago, in part due to a rash of injuries to key players.

The Sun Devils appear to be back on track this season, winning three of their first four games for the program's best start since 2018. Arizona State bounced back from a loss to Texas Tech by outlasting Kansas 35-31 behind Sam Leavitt's four touchdown passes.

“It’s amazing how just playing hard with passion and caring, you find ways to win,” Dillingham said. "We found a way, and we’re going to play again, and we’ve got to find another way, and it’s going to be a different way. You don’t know how. Just got to keep finding a way.”

Utes defense

While Utah has been forced to play without its top quarterback, the defense has been stellar — as it usually is.

The Utes are third nationally in first downs allowed at 12.6 per game and are fourth at stopping teams on third down, holding opponents to a 24.7% conversion rate. Utah also leads the Big 12 with 2.4 sacks per game and is ninth nationally for fewest penalties with 21.

Skatte-boom!

Leavitt has been solid in his first year as Arizona State's quarterback, but running back Cam Skattebo is the player who makes the Sun Devils go.

Forced into multiple roles last season due to all the injuries, the Sacramento State transfer has been stellar as Arizona State's go-to back.

Skattebo runs like he's trying to bust through a brick wall on every carry, punishing opponents every game. He was The Associated Press player of the week after rushing for 262 yards against Mississippi State — 297 total yards — and ran for 182 yards with a touchdown against Kansas.

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John Marshall, The Associated Press