The 2024 college football season has been tumultuous for the Utah Utes, with injuries hitting their quarterback lineup hard. Most notably, redshirt freshman quarterback Brandon Rose suffered a lower leg injury, ruling him out for the rest of the season. As the Utes scramble to adjust, they face the daunting challenge of salvaging their campaign with a depleted roster. Here’s a closer look at the situation and its implications for Utah’s football program.
Brandon Rose’s Injury: A Major Setback
Brandon Rose’s injury occurred during Utah’s controversial 22-21 loss to BYU in Week 11. Making the first start of his collegiate career, Rose showed promise but sustained a serious lower leg injury during the game. Head coach Kyle Whittingham confirmed that Rose would be sidelined for six to eight months, effectively ending his season.
Rose’s absence further compounds Utah’s quarterback troubles, as he joins an already lengthy injury list. His potential to solidify the team’s offensive struggles had made him a pivotal player. Losing him at this stage only deepens the Utes’ offensive woes.
Utah’s Quarterback Injury Crisis
The Utes have faced an unprecedented string of quarterback injuries in 2024. Before Rose, seventh-year senior Cameron Rising started the season as the team’s primary QB. However, Rising suffered a hand injury in Week 2 against Baylor. After briefly returning, he endured a season-ending leg injury against Arizona State.
Adding to Utah’s misfortunes, transfer quarterback Sam Huard, a former Washington standout, has also been sidelined for the season. Despite being a promising addition to the roster, Huard did not play a single snap due to his injury.
With Rose now out, the Utes are left with freshman Isaac Wilson as their starting quarterback. Wilson, the younger brother of Denver Broncos quarterback Zach Wilson, has had an up-and-down season. Through seven games, Wilson has thrown for 1,200 yards with eight touchdowns and eight interceptions. His inconsistency led to Rose starting against BYU, but now, Wilson must carry the team’s hopes for the remainder of the season.
Impact on Utah’s Season
The injuries to Utah’s quarterbacks have exposed glaring issues within the team. Despite boasting one of the nation’s best defenses, allowing only 17 points per game, the Utes have struggled offensively. They rank 11th in the nation in points allowed but have been unable to capitalize due to an inefficient offense averaging less than 23 points per game.
The offensive struggles are highlighted by a five-game losing streak, during which the Utes have averaged just 14.2 points per game. Their last victory came in Week 4 against Oklahoma State, and the road ahead looks increasingly difficult with key players like tight end Brant Kuithe also sidelined for the season.
Isaac Wilson: The Next Man Up
As the starting role falls back to Isaac Wilson, the freshman faces immense pressure to lead the Utes against formidable opponents like No. 17 Colorado. Wilson has shown flashes of potential but will need to significantly improve his decision-making and consistency. Backed up by Luke Bottari, the Utes’ quarterback depth is now razor-thin, with no healthy third-string option available.
Wilson’s performance will be critical for Utah’s chances of turning their season around. The coaching staff and fans alike hope that he can rise to the occasion, but the challenges are steep.
Long-Term Implications for Utah Football
The string of injuries has forced Utah to reevaluate its depth and development strategies. With Cameron Rising in his seventh year and nearing the end of his collegiate eligibility, the focus will likely shift to grooming younger talent like Isaac Wilson and Brandon Rose for future seasons.
Additionally, the Utes may need to explore the transfer portal to bolster their quarterback lineup. The importance of having experienced backups has been starkly highlighted this season, and Utah cannot afford to be caught unprepared again.
Conclusion
Brandon Rose’s injury has added another layer of adversity to an already challenging season for the Utah Utes. With multiple quarterbacks sidelined and offensive struggles mounting, the team faces a daunting path forward. However, this crisis also presents an opportunity for players like Isaac Wilson to step up and make their mark. For Utah, resilience and strategic planning will be crucial in navigating the remainder of the 2024 season and preparing for the future.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brandon Rose’s Injury
1. What happened to Brandon Rose?
Brandon Rose suffered a lower leg injury during Utah’s Week 11 game against BYU. The injury will keep him sidelined for six to eight months, ending his 2024 season.
2. How many quarterbacks has Utah lost this season?
Utah has lost three quarterbacks for the season: Cameron Rising, Sam Huard, and Brandon Rose. Rising sustained a hand and later a leg injury, Huard has been out all season, and Rose was injured in Week 11.
3. Who is Utah’s current starting quarterback?
Freshman Isaac Wilson is Utah’s current starting quarterback. Wilson has started multiple games this season and now steps into the role following Rose’s injury.
4. How has Utah’s offense performed this season?
Utah’s offense has struggled significantly, averaging less than 23 points per game. The team’s inability to score has been a major factor in their 4-5 record, despite having a strong defense.
5. What is the outlook for Utah’s future at quarterback?
The Utes will likely focus on developing younger talent like Isaac Wilson and Brandon Rose while exploring transfer portal options to ensure depth and preparedness for future seasons.