The Utah Utes’ once-promising season has taken another devastating blow. Freshman quarterback Brandon Rose, fresh off his first career start, will miss the remainder of the 2024 campaign due to a lower leg injury that will require surgery, head coach Kyle Whittingham announced Tuesday night.
Third Utes QB Lost for Season
Rose becomes the third Utah quarterback to suffer a season-ending injury this year, following in the unfortunate footsteps of Cam Rising and Sam Huard. The highly-touted Utes, picked by many to win the Big 12 in their inaugural season in the conference, have been ravaged by injuries to key players on both sides of the ball.
In addition to their quarterback woes, Utah has lost star wide receiver Money Parks and tight end Brant Kuithe for the year. Kuithe’s injury occurred in the same game as Rose’s, a heartbreaking 22-21 loss to bitter rival BYU last week.
Rose Shows Promise in First Start
Before his injury, Rose had shown flashes of brilliance in his starting debut against the Cougars. The dual-threat signal-caller completed passes for 112 yards and two touchdowns, while adding 55 yards on the ground. Unfortunately, he also tossed a costly interception in the narrow defeat.
“Brandon was just starting to get comfortable leading the offense,” a source close to the program told us. “This injury is a real shame, because his potential is through the roof. The kid has all the tools to be a star in this league.”
Wilson Back in the Saddle
With Rose sidelined, Utah will turn the offense back over to freshman Isaac Wilson. Wilson initially took over as the starter following Rising’s injury, but was benched in favor of Rose after struggling with turnovers and inconsistency.
On the season, Wilson has completed just 55.4% of his passes for 1,200 yards, with an equal number of touchdowns and interceptions (8). He’ll face a stiff test this weekend as the Utes travel to face the 17th-ranked Colorado Buffaloes.
Depth Tested at QB
Behind Wilson on the depth chart is senior Luke Bottari, who has played sparingly this season. Unless the former three-star recruit has made rapid improvement behind the scenes, Utah’s once-vaunted quarterback depth will be stretched incredibly thin over their difficult stretch run.
Key Defensive Players Also Out
Complicating matters for Coach Whittingham’s squad: the losses aren’t limited to the offensive side of the ball. Two key players on the Utes’ normally suffocating defense, linebacker Lander Barton and safety R.J. Hubert, are also out for an extended period of time.
“We just can’t seem to catch a lucky break this year,” the source said. “Every time we start to gather some momentum, another key guy goes down. But that’s football – it’s a war of attrition, and the teams left standing at the end are usually the deepest ones.”
Remaining Big 12 Schedule a Gauntlet
With their roster decimated by injuries, the Utes will have to navigate a treacherous remaining Big 12 schedule that includes daunting trips to Baylor and Oklahoma State, as well as a home date with perennial powerhouse Oklahoma.
- at #17 Colorado
- vs Oklahoma
- at Baylor
- at Oklahoma State
- vs Iowa State
For a program that entered the season with College Football Playoff aspirations, a finish above .500 in conference play would have to be considered a success at this point. But don’t expect Whittingham and his Utes to wave the white flag – they’ll scratch and claw until the bitter end.
“As long as we have 11 guys to put on the field, we’re going to compete our tails off,” Whittingham told reporters. “No excuses, no pity parties. Line up and play the game, and let the chips fall where they may. That’s the Utah way.”
The Utes’ resolve will be put to the ultimate test as they try to keep their once-promising season from slipping away entirely. With the heart of their offense and defense relegated to the sideline, Utah finds itself in the unfamiliar role of underdog, fighting an uphill battle against a loaded Big 12 slate.
