Utah seeks running game revival in rivalry clash with Utah State

Utah is focusing on reviving its running game as it prepares for a rivalry clash with Utah State. The Utes have struggled to meet the production levels desired by head coach Kyle Whittingham, who aims for over five yards per carry and a total of 230 to 250 rushing yards in a game. In contrast, Utah State has been vulnerable against the run, allowing an average of 193 rushing yards per game, ranking them 113th nationally. This presents an opportunity for Utah to exploit their opponent's weaknesses. The status of Utah's starting quarterback, Rising, remains uncertain due to a recent injury, although Whittingham has indicated it is not serious. Rising's absence has led to Wilson, the younger brother of former BYU quarterback Zach Wilson, taking over the role. Wilson has shown improvement in his performance, gaining confidence in running the offense despite a challenging start against Baylor. On the other side, Utah State's interim coach Nate Dreiling has expressed confidence in Bryson Barnes, a former Utah quarterback who transferred to Utah State. Barnes has had a mixed performance, but he led the Aggies to a comeback victory in their opener. His experience with Utah's system could play a crucial role in the upcoming game. The rivalry between Utah and Utah State, which dates back to 1892, is being reignited after a decade-long break. Historically, Utah has dominated this matchup, winning 14 of the last 15 encounters, and leads the all-time series significantly. This game not only holds historical significance but also presents a chance for both teams to assert their dominance in the rivalry.