As Baylor and Utah prepare for their much-anticipated September 9th showdown, both programs are grappling with a shared burden: uncertainty at quarterback. Injuries to both teams’ starting signal-callers have cast a shadow over the matchup, turning what was originally billed as a marquee non-conference clash into a test of depth, resilience, and backup readiness.
The quarterback position is often described as the most important in football, and for good reason. A team’s offensive rhythm, play-calling flexibility, and scoring potential often hinge on the talent and health of its quarterback. In the cases of Baylor and Utah, both squads now face an uphill battle trying to stabilize those aspects without their starting leaders under center.
Baylor’s Concern: Blake Shapen Out
Baylor quarterback Blake Shapen sustained an MCL injury in the Bears’ season-opening loss to Texas State. The injury is expected to sideline Shapen for two to three weeks, knocking him out of the Utah matchup and perhaps beyond, depending on his recovery process.
Head coach Dave Aranda confirmed the diagnosis during a Monday press conference, expressing confidence in the team’s ability to adapt but acknowledging Shapen’s pivotal role in the offense.
“Blake’s leadership and accuracy in the short game are big parts of what we do,” Aranda said. “We’re confident in our backup, but no question it’s a significant adjustment.”
Taking over for Shapen will be redshirt sophomore Sawyer Robertson, a Mississippi State transfer who saw limited action in the Bears’ opening contest. Robertson brings a different style of play, with a bigger arm and a bit more mobility—but he lacks Shapen’s experience and established chemistry with the receiving corps.
Utah’s Turn: Cam Rising Still a Question Mark
Meanwhile, Utah faces its own dilemma with quarterback Cameron Rising, who continues to recover from a torn ACL he sustained during last season’s Rose Bowl loss to Penn State. While Rising has been participating in limited workouts, his status for the Baylor game remains officially uncertain.
Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham offered cautious optimism during media availability, saying, “Cam is progressing, but we are going to make sure he’s fully cleared both physically and mentally before he takes a live snap again.”
Should Rising remain unavailable, the Utes will likely stick with Bryson Barnes, the former walk-on who started in Utah’s Week 1 win against Florida. Barnes performed solidly in that game, completing 12 of 18 passes for 159 yards and a touchdown without any turnovers. While not as dynamic as Rising, Barnes has shown he can manage a game effectively and avoid costly mistakes.
The Matchup Impact
With both teams fielding backup quarterbacks—or at best, limited versions of their starters—the nature of the game on September 9th is likely to shift dramatically. What initially projected as an offensive tilt may instead turn into a more conservative, defensive-minded contest.
Key factors to watch include:
- Running games: Expect both teams to lean heavily on their rushing attacks. Baylor’s Richard Reese and Utah’s Ja’Quinden Jackson could see an increased workload as their teams look to control the ground game and reduce pressure on the backup QBs.
- Defensive schemes: Look for both defenses to take advantage of less experienced quarterbacks. Expect blitz packages, disguised coverages, and an emphasis on containing any improvisational plays.
- Turnover battle: With young quarterbacks under center, ball security becomes paramount. One or two mistakes could swing the game decisively.
What’s at Stake?
The game is critical for both programs. For Utah, a win continues their push for national relevance after an impressive win against Florida. For Baylor, a strong showing could help erase the sting of an unexpected Week 1 loss and stabilize their season trajectory.
More broadly, the outcome may influence how both coaching staffs evaluate the development pipeline at the most important position in college football. Backup quarterbacks have gone from clipboard-holders to essential playmakers in just a matter of days.
Final Thoughts
Injuries have disrupted what was supposed to be a marquee early-season matchup, but they’ve also added a layer of intrigue and unpredictability. With both teams navigating uncertain quarterback situations, the battle between Baylor and Utah now becomes a test of adaptability, coaching, and the ability of each roster to dig deeper than expected.
As game day approaches, all eyes remain on the health reports—and the hope that reinforcements might arrive in time. Until then, the plans are in motion, and the backups are taking center stage.