Utes can't afford another late-night disappointment on the playoff path

Utah Football is preparing for a crucial road game against Arizona State following a tough Week 5 home loss to Arizona and a much-needed bye in Week 6. With both teams holding 4-1 records overall and 1-1 in conference play sets the stage for an important Big 12 matchup, even as fans are still getting used to this former Pac-12 rivalry now played in the Big 12. Historically, Arizona State holds a 22-12 lead in the all-time series, but Utah has won six of the last 10 meetings, including last year's commanding 55-3 victory in Salt Lake City.

For the Utes, this game means more than just a conference showdown; It's a chance to get the season back on track after a disappointing loss. In that game, Utah struggled offensively, managing just 10 points and turning the ball over twice. Despite totaling 364 yards, the Utes were unable to capitalize, as their only touchdown came late in the fourth quarter. As they travel to Tempe, all eyes will be on how the team used the break week to address their deficiencies and come back stronger.

One of the main storylines of this game is the return of veteran quarterback Cam Rising. After missing the last three games due to a hand injury against Baylor, Rising now is time to take back the reins of the offense. His absence was a major talking point, and while true freshman Isaac Wilson performed admirably in his place, fans eagerly awaited Rising's return. The quarterback's leadership and experience are critical for Utah, especially given the high stakes of the season. Rising's performance will be under strict scrutiny as he works to get back into form after a lengthy layoff. While it's likely he'll start cautiously, his ability to return to the Heisman-level play he's capable of could be the key to Utah's future success.

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Rising's return also raises questions about the chemistry between his wide receivers, particularly Dorian Singer. The talented receiver made his breakthrough against Arizona, managing 155 yards on nine balls and benefiting from Wilson's increased accuracy. However, his association with Rising earlier in the season did not produce the same results. How the two mesh on the field in Tempe will be a focus, and while Rising may avoid deep throws until he's fully comfortable, developing that connection could have a significant impact on Utah's offensive production.

Running back Micah Bernard will also play a crucial role in this game. Bernard was the Utes' most consistent offensive weapon, rushing for over 100 yards in three straight games before narrowly missing the mark against Arizona. With Rising still recovering from an injury, Bernard will likely be the focal point of Utah's offense, especially in the early going. If he can maintain his strong form, Rising will take the pressure off and open up more opportunities in the passing game. Bernard's performance could be a deciding factor in whether the Utes control the tempo and dictate the flow of the game.

On the other hand, Arizona State goes into the game with flying colors with a thrilling 35:31 win over Kansas. The Sun Devils' offense, led by running back Cam Skattebo, has been a revelation this season, ranking 17th nationally in rushing yards. Skattebo's physical running style combined with quarterback Sam Leavitt's dual-threat ability will pose a significant challenge for Utah's defense, which was in danger at times in the loss to Arizona. Containing the Sun Devils' rushing attack will be the Utes' top priority, and their success in that area could be the deciding factor in the outcome.

With Arizona State's offense firing on all cylinders and Utah looking to rebound, this matchup promises to be a pivotal moment in the Big 12 season. Both teams have a lot to prove, and for Utah, this is an opportunity to show that they have learned from their mistakes and are ready to make a strong push in the second half of the season.