Injured Cam Rising struggles in return as No. 16 Utah loses at Arizona Stsaid/NY NEWS

Injured Cam Rising struggles in return as No. 16 Utah loses at Arizona Stsaid/NY NEWS


For the fourth time in as many games, Utah quarterback Cam Rising participated in early warmups on Friday night, sporting a glove on his hand before emerging from the locker room in full uniform for the Utes’ final padded warmups. Like before, Rising was seen throwing the ball shortly before No. 16 Utah faced Arizona State at Mountain America Stadium. This time, however, his passes showed the necessary velocity, even on 40-yard throws.


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After reportedly suffering a finger dislocation and laceration in Utah’s Week 2 victory over Baylor, all signs seemed to point toward Rising’s return. Yet, fans had seen this scenario before, with Rising warming up prior to games against Utah State, Oklahoma State, and Arizona. Utah supporters, understandably skeptical, wouldn’t believe his return until they saw him take an actual game snap.


As expected, the veteran quarterback came out for the coin toss on a sweltering night in the desert, just as he had in the past three weeks. However, when Utah’s offense took the field for their first series, it was finally Rising leading them.


Backup quarterback Isaac Wilson had kept the team competitive, guiding them to a 3-1 record in Rising’s absence. Still, for Utah to achieve its season goals, it needed its starting signal-caller. Rising’s return seemed perfectly timed, as the Utes, coming off a loss to Arizona two weeks prior, couldn’t afford another defeat if they hoped to stay in the Big 12 title race.


As Rising led the team out for their first offensive drive, a collective sense of relief swept through Utah’s players and fans alike. That relief, however, lasted less than two minutes of game time.


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As Cam Rising stepped onto the field, the excitement was palpable. For weeks, Utah fans had been holding their breath, waiting for the return of their star quarterback to jumpstart the Utes’ offense. Rising’s recovery from the finger injury had been an ongoing story, but despite his consistent appearances in pregame warmups, he hadn’t yet taken a live game snap. This time felt different, though. The velocity on his throws was back, his movements were fluid, and his presence on the field brought a surge of energy.


The crowd buzzed with anticipation as Utah’s offense lined up for the first drive. After enduring a frustrating stretch of inconsistent offensive performances without their leader, there was hope that Rising could turn things around. The Utes had done well enough with Isaac Wilson at the helm, his efforts keeping them afloat, but there was no denying that Utah’s path to a Big 12 title hinged on having their starting quarterback healthy and under center.


Arizona State had no intention of making it easy for Utah, but with Rising on the field, the balance seemed to tip in favor of the Utes. It was more than just his arm or playmaking ability—it was the confidence he brought to the team. The offensive line stood taller, the receivers ran their routes with more conviction, and the defense watched from the sidelines, knowing they finally had the leader they needed.


But just as quickly as the optimism had spread, it vanished. In less than two minutes of game time, the promising start that Rising’s presence had signaled was cut short. Whatever had happened on that opening series shattered the hopes that Utah’s offense would be instantly transformed with his return. The weight that had been temporarily lifted from the team and its fanbase seemed to crash back down, heavier than before.



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