The Utah Utes return to Rice-Eccles Stadium on Saturday night, aiming to snap a two-game losing streak as they host the TCU Horned Frogs in a key Big 12 matchup. Utah (4-2, 1-2) is looking to recover from recent setbacks while TCU (3-3, 1-2) comes off a bye week, hoping to reset and get back on track after their loss to Houston two weeks ago.
This matchup brings together two teams in search of consistency, with both dealing with challenges on offense and looking to make a push in the competitive Big 12 conference.
Utah Adjusts to Life Without Rising
The Utes suffered a major setback with the season-ending injury to quarterback Cameron Rising. Rising, a key leader for Utah, had already missed time this season due to a hand injury and is now out following a lower-leg injury sustained against Arizona State. In his place, freshman quarterback Isaac Wilson will lead the offense, though his performance has been inconsistent, with 830 passing yards, six touchdowns, and seven interceptions so far.
Utah’s offense will likely lean on running back Micah Bernard, who has been a bright spot with 676 rushing yards and a 6.6-yard average per carry. Bernard’s ability to move the chains will be crucial if Utah hopes to control the game and limit turnovers. The Utes are currently 4.5-point favorites, but they will need to be at their best to avoid slipping further in the Big 12 standings.
TCU Focuses on Fundamentals During Bye Week
The Horned Frogs are looking to bounce back after a 30-19 loss to Houston, a game that highlighted the team’s need for improvement on both sides of the ball. Head coach Sonny Dykes used the bye week to refocus his team on fundamentals, emphasizing better ball security and tackling during practice sessions.
Quarterback Josh Hoover has been a bright spot for TCU, ranking fifth nationally with 2,007 passing yards. Hoover has thrown 16 touchdown passes but has also been intercepted six times, a number he will need to reduce to keep the Horned Frogs competitive.
Wide receiver Jack Bech has been one of the top playmakers in the country, recording 702 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. Bech’s ability to stretch the field will be a key factor, especially against a Utah defense that has struggled at times this season.
Prediction: Utah Secures a Hard-Fought Victory
This game presents a pivotal opportunity for both teams. Utah will need to rally behind their new quarterback while leaning on Bernard’s rushing ability to stay ahead. Meanwhile, TCU’s passing attack, led by Hoover and Bech, has the potential to challenge Utah’s secondary. However, the Utes’ home-field advantage and balanced attack could give them the edge.
We predict Utah will cover the 4.5-point spread, with the game staying under the 49.5-point total as both defenses limit big plays and force each offense to grind out drives.
