Despite both Utah and TCU entering Saturday night’s game on a bit of a slump—Utah has dropped its last two, and TCU has lost three of its last four—there's still plenty to look forward to, especially from the Utes' perspective. Utah fans and analysts alike are curious to see how the team will respond in this critical Big 12 matchup. The game may not have the same high-stakes feel as some of their historic battles, but it is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in the season for Utah.
The history between these two teams adds a layer of intrigue to the game. These former Mountain West rivals haven’t faced off as conference foes since 2010, back when both were competing for BCS bowl game berths. From 2008 to 2010, Utah and TCU were national contenders, each vying for a place in a BCS bowl. Utah came out on top in 2008, capping off an undefeated season with a memorable Sugar Bowl win over Alabama. TCU got the upper hand in 2009 and 2010, with blowout wins that led to back-to-back BCS bowl appearances, including a victory in the Rose Bowl.
This weekend’s game, though, doesn't come with the same playoff implications. Utah's hopes for a Big 12 title are nearly out of reach after two tough losses to the Arizona schools, including a 27-19 loss to Arizona State last week. For Utah, it’s now about salvaging the season, playing for pride, and preparing for the future.
One of the most compelling storylines heading into the game is how the Utes will adjust after a series of injuries that have rattled their season. Starting quarterback Cam Rising, who had recently returned after a finger injury, is now out for the rest of the season following a leg injury sustained in the Arizona State game. Rising’s absence shifts the spotlight to true freshman quarterback Isaac Wilson, who will now take full command of the offense for the remainder of the season and perhaps into future seasons.
Wilson had already seen some playing time earlier this year while Rising was sidelined, leading Utah to wins over Utah State and Oklahoma State but falling short against Arizona. What makes this weekend interesting is that the team can now focus on tailoring a game plan specifically around Wilson’s strengths, rather than juggling two different strategies for both quarterbacks.
Isaac Wilson stepping into the starting role brings excitement and uncertainty. While the young QB has shown flashes of talent, Utah’s offense has struggled with red-zone efficiency and turnovers. With Wilson now the clear starter, the coaching staff, led by offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig, can focus on making adjustments that play to his strengths. One change you might notice is that Wilson could be running more plays from under center—a tactic that was off the table when Rising was in due to his finger injury.
Ludwig also mentioned plans to simplify the game for Wilson, giving him more quick options like screen plays to counter the heavy blitzing he's been facing. Teams have been bringing pressure at an alarming rate, with nearly 43.5% of snaps coming with a blitz. A more streamlined game plan and the ability to get the ball out quickly should help the freshman QB settle into his role.
But the pressure on Wilson can’t be ignored, and that’s where Utah’s running game, led by tailback Micah Bernard, comes into play. The Horned Frogs may boast one of the top pass defenses in the country—ranking 8th nationally, allowing just 155.5 passing yards per game—but their run defense has been porous, to say the least. TCU is allowing an average of 180.2 rushing yards per game, which opens up a massive opportunity for Utah to pound the rock.
In their most recent loss to Houston, TCU allowed 44 rushing attempts while facing just 20 passing plays. This blueprint is something Utah should definitely take note of. Establishing the run with Bernard early and often could be the key to opening up the passing game for Wilson and taking some of the weight off his shoulders. If Bernard can find success on the ground, it will force TCU to stack the box, potentially freeing up some space for Wilson to make plays through the air.
Adding another twist to the game is the presence of a familiar face on the TCU defense—cornerback JaTravis Broughton. Broughton spent four years at Utah before transferring to TCU this offseason. While it hasn’t been his best season statistically, you can bet he’ll be fired up to face his former teammates. His experience with Utah’s system could provide TCU with some valuable insights, but it also adds a personal touch to the matchup.
While Utah's offense works on finding its rhythm, the defense will have its hands full with a TCU team known for its explosive passing attack. Sonny Dykes' offense has always been built around the aerial game, and this season is no exception. The Horned Frogs are averaging an impressive 342.8 passing yards per game, with one of the most potent scoring offenses in the country, putting up 35.3 points per game.
Quarterback Josh Hoover has been slinging the ball all over the field, and TCU boasts four receivers with over 300 receiving yards on the season. The leader of the pack is Jack Bech, who has racked up 702 yards and seven touchdowns on 39 receptions. Utah’s secondary has been solid, allowing just 172 passing yards per game, but this game will undoubtedly be their toughest challenge yet.
One area where Utah’s defense can make a difference is in turnovers. TCU has had trouble holding onto the ball, with 14 turnovers on the season so far. Utah has been vocal about the need to generate more takeaways, and Saturday’s game could provide the perfect opportunity. If they can force a couple of turnovers and keep TCU’s offense from getting into a rhythm, the Utes will have a fighting chance.
However, the danger with TCU’s offense is how quickly they can strike. The Horned Frogs can put points on the board in a hurry, which puts a lot of pressure on Utah’s offense to keep pace. If Utah struggles to sustain drives or turns the ball over themselves, it could spell trouble. On the other hand, if they can get Bernard going, limit their own mistakes, and force TCU into a few errors, Utah will be in a strong position to snap their losing streak and pick up a much-needed win.
In the words of Utah coach Kyle Whittingham, “They’re doing some really good things offensively and really difficult to stop, so we’ve got our work cut out for us.” The Utes may be down, but they’re not out, and this Saturday's game is their chance to turn things around.
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