Winners and losers from Utah football's spring game

The Utah Utes took the field for their first spring game of their Big 12 era, and for the fans there was certainly a lot to be excited about in the glorified practice.

The Utes were fresh off of two Pac-12 titles heading into the 2023 season with the College Football Playoff on their mind, but saw their season derailed before it even got started with major injuries to quarterback Cam Rising and tight end Brant Kuithe. The two missed out on the entire season, and they were joined by a slew of other key players that went down with injuries throughout the year.

The team finished 8-5, but it was about as ugly as an eight wins could be. Saturday's spring game saw both Rising and Kuithe return, alllbeit in non-contact jerseys, and while the game doesn't count for anything, the two appeared to have not lost a step. The game provided us an up-close look of what the team's strengths are, and also what some concerns should be ahead of the transfer portal opening on Monday.

Here are my biggest winners and losers from the game whether it be players and their position on the depth chart, or a unit as a whole.

Winner: Cam Calhoun, DB

The defensive backs were tested all game as both teams were airing the ball out seemingly almost every play. After the game, head coach Kyle Whittingham singled out Michigan transfer Cam Calhoun as someone that stood out on defense. With all of the departures in the secondary, Calhoun has a chance to really solidify himself as the starter after playing in just one game at Michigan as a defensive back last season. He was credited with six total tackles, one for a loss, and also added a nice pass break up. Getting the praise from Whittingham has to be a big deal for Calhoun who may have assured that he is one of the starting corners heading into fall camp.

Loser: The Run Game

This one was a bit odd to say the least. The focus was clearly on getting the quarterbacks comfortable throwing the ball as there were a combined 58 passes thrown to just 27 rushes, but none of the running backs seemed to get anything going. This could be more of a testament to how good the defensive front is, but the longest rush of the day by a running back was 10 yards, with the two teams averaging 2.5 yards per carry. It could totally mean nothing, but it was a letdown overall considering how important the run game will be to the offense.

*Idaho transfer Anthony Woods didn't play due to injury

Winner: Isaac Wilson, QB

Kyle Whittingham had already gone on record to say that he wanted to get another body in the quarterback room, and that the battle for the backup role between freshman Isaac Wilson and sophomore Brandon Rose was extremely close. However, Wilson looked much more confident and effective, and may have done more than enough to claim that spot. Outside of one risky throw that was picked off, but later overturned due to pass interference, he made all the right throws. He showed the ability to push the ball down field, and has an ability to zip throws into tight windows.

He finished the game 8-of-12 for 165 yards and two scores, and Whittingham told us after the game that he “took a big step today.”

Loser: Brandon Rose, QB

When there is a winner there has to be a loser, and unfortunately for Brandon Rose who was a practice play away from being the starter last year, he didn't have his best day. He was late on reads at times, and struggled to move the ball. He was pulled in favor of Wilson after the white team's first two drives led to punts. He finished just 1-of-3 for nine yards when on the white team, but did find more success when he replaced Rising on the red team in the second half, as he totaled 70 yards on 8-of-11 passing. If there was a game tomorrow, Rose would certainly be third on the depth chart. He did however showcase his ability to use his legs.

Winner: The Passing Attack

Without Rising last season, Utah's passing attack was anemic at best. There was never a true threat to beat a team deep, and most of the time moving forward was an issue in general. With Rising returning and a new favorite target in USC Dorian Singer, the starting passing attack was electric. In just two quarters of run, Rising went 15-of-19 for 208 yards and two scores, and found Singer quite a few times with one of their connections going for 40 yards. Money Parks was also on the receiving end of some love from Rising, as he caught both touchdowns, one of which went for 57 yards. Kuithe added a couple catches, and when UCLA transfer Carsen Ryan suits up this unit will only get that much more deep. Whittingham did however say he wanted to add one or two more receivers, which doesn't bode well for someone like Mycah Pitman who had just one catch and missed a block on a bubble screen that almost led to a pick, or someone like Washington transfer Taeshaun Lyons who had 0 catches on three targets with a drop. Depending on who the new additions are, the unit may get even more dynamic.