The game was already an incredible spectacle, with both teams engaged in a thrilling shootout. The Utes had taken an early lead, but it was Bryson Barnes’ entry into the game that took it to another level.
Most teams would struggle when their leader, Cam Rising, went down. However, under Barnes’ leadership, the Utes remained undeterred and wasted no time in announcing themselves to the Buckeyes.
With just 1:54 left in the fourth quarter, Barnes connected with Dalton Kincaid for a 15-yard touchdown, tying the game at 45-45. This left the media scrambling to uncover the identity of Utah’s new star quarterback.
Utah answers!
Backup QB Bryson Barnes finds Dalton Kincaid for the 15-yard TD to tie the Rose Bowl at 45-45! 🤯
🎥: @espn
pic.twitter.com/CYmAiUCd4E— USA TODAY Sports (@usatodaysports) January 2, 2022
Unfortunately, Barnes and the Utes couldn’t hold on as tOSU managed to kick a game-winning field goal, securing a 48-45 victory. However, this doesn’t diminish the fact that a legend was born.
The 2023 season began for Utah football with a match against the Florida Gators at Rice-Eccles Stadium. The Utes were without their usual starting quarterback, Cam Rising, who was still recovering from an ACL tear suffered earlier in the year at the Rose Bowl against Penn State.
In Bryson Barnes’ second career start, he wasted no time making it clear that Utah would be just fine under his leadership. On his very first play of the game, he threw a 70-yard touchdown pass to receiver Money Parks.
The Utes went on to defeat the Gators 24-11, and Barnes’ impressive performance earned him a scholarship after being a walk-on for the team in the previous two years.
Barnes did struggle against Baylor, leading to Johnson taking over for the past few games. However, Johnson faced similar struggles against Oregon State just before the BYE, resulting in a return to Barnes, who showed promising signs.
Unfortunately, Barnes suffered a hard hit from the Beavers that sent him to the hospital during the Utes’ first loss. This raised questions about his availability to play for a depleted Utah offensive unit.
Thamel’s confirmation that Barnes is cleared to play is a significant development for a team that has experienced a string of unfortunate injuries in 2023.
Michelle Bodkin serves as the Utah Utes Insider for KSLsports.com and hosts both the Crimson Corner Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and The Saturday Show (Saturday from 10 a.m.–12 p.m.) on The KSL Sports Zone. Follow her on X, Instagram, and Threads: @BodkinKSLsports
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