With the news QB Cam Rising will suit up, I'm more bullish on the Utes than ever before.

Utah has a great defense and should take a few steps forward with Rising back under center, replacing freshman Isaac Wilson. The Utes outgained Arizona in their previous game but only scored 10 points on four drives inside the 40-yard line. That won't be an issue today against an ASU defense that ranks last in the country in Finishing Drives Allowed. Last week, Kansas scored a touchdown on all five of its trips inside the 40-yard line. The Sun Devils aren't as stout against the run as the stats suggest, either. In their first action against a team with a legit rushing attack, they allowed a high EPA/rush, as Jayhawks RB Devin Neal averaged over five yards per rush.

The Utes defense will ball out tonight, too. Utah ranks 2nd nationally in Success Rate Allowed, as it's stout against the run and pass. They held Oklahoma State star RB Ollie Gordon to just 42 rushing yards and should dominate again up front today. ASU's passing game isn't efficient outside of short and intermediate throws, and the Sun Devils are too reliant on RB Cam Skattebo. The Utes rank 26th in Defensive Line Yards and seventh in Stuff Rate, and they're the first top-50 rushing defense Sparky has faced all season.

ASU is 4-1, but three of its wins came by one score. It won't be as fortunate this week against a confident and excited Utah squad with Rising back.