Utah RB Mike Mitchell Carried Off Field With Leg Injury In Second Quarter
Sep 7, 2024, 3:29 PM | Updated: 4:30 pm
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - AUGUST 29: Brant Kuithe #80 of the Utah Utes celebrates his touchdown catch with teammate Mike Mitchell #21 during the first half of their game agaisnt the Southern Utah Thunderbirds at Rice Eccles Stadium on August 29, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.(Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
(Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – The injury bug continues to plague Utah Football as redshirt freshman running back Mike Mitchell had to be carried off the field in the second quarter.
It’s an unfortunate break for Mitchell. He was questionable to play throughout the week and was cleared to play heading into the weekend.
Mike Mitchell is down on the ground. Looked a little dizzy and they were checking an ankle. He was carried off the field.
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) September 7, 2024
Mitchell, along with junior DT Simote Pepa, and freshman CB Cameron Calhoun, all opted to suit up for the Utes in week two.
RELATED: Last Minute Utah Football Injury Report Leading Up To Baylor Game
More information on the severity and specifics of Mitchell’s injury have yet to be released. However, an early look points to it being an ankle injury.
In the season opener against Southern Utah, Mitchell scored his first TD as a member of Utah Football.
First career TD as a Ute for Mike Mitchell! 🙌#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/u1xgeVvQVk
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) August 30, 2024
Although at first, the injury looked serious, Mitchell got taped up and was seen running on the sideline later in the game.
Mitchell ended up checking back in and getting more carries in the second half.
Utah Football Gameday Thoughts From Utes Insider Steve Bartle
1. Today is about standing on business
Last week’s win over Southern Utah didn’t move the needle much given the difference between the two respective programs. Today’s contest will be met with a great deal of interest, as we will learn a lot about each team.
Utah is the heavy favorite according to many prognosticators. Under Kyle Whittingham, Utah has won 33 straight games as a double-digit favorite.
Despite the matchup of two Big 12 programs playing during Big 12 Homecoming Week, this game doesn’t count toward the conference record.
Given the high expectations around the program this season. A good performance in this one will do a lot to validate a lot of beliefs around this team.
This game is simply about standing on business for the Utes.
Utes in the 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞🔥#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/v2b2sIK9gI
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) September 7, 2024
2. Lots of talk about physicality, who flexes the muscle
There’s been a lot of talk throughout the week about the increased level of competition. It’s largely centered around the physicality of the matchup.
In a few upsets through two weeks of action, the underdog has relied on physicality and toughness to beat the more talented teams.
This will be a physical contest, who flexes the most muscle- particularly in the run game, will likely determine the outcome of the game.
In their week one matchups, Baylor gained 164 rushing yards on 43 attempts last week, while allowing 101 yards on 41 rushes. Utah picked up 185 yards on 39 attempts, while giving up 79 yards on 30 rushes.
Coach Whittingham’s program prides itself on being a physical and tough program. They will need more of it from the offensive and defensive lines in this one. These two position groups will set the tone for the game.
𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐈𝐭 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧 #GoUtes pic.twitter.com/tcScmSgH3P
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) September 6, 2024
3. Excited to see more of the offense
Utah made big additions on the offensive side of the ball this offseason. The offense shouldn’t be as dependent on one or two guys for the bulk of production as it’s been in the past.
When they last stepped on the field, the Utes walked away with a 49-0 victory. Utah ended up running for 185 yards on 39 attempts, while two quarterbacks combined to throw for 318 yards. The Utes finished the game with 513 yards while running 65 plays for an impressive 7.9 yds per play.
Yet, there is so much more to see from the offense and it starts today.
RELATED: Three Keys To Victory For Utah Football Against Baylor Bears
All Red Everything‼️#GoUtes | @BookSeatscom pic.twitter.com/Y7fSp8eNKP
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) September 4, 2024
Dorian Singer saw minimal opportunity last week. He should be a point of focus in this one. Perhaps the same goes for other offseason additions like Carsen Ryan and Damien Alford, but Singer at the very least should have a bigger presence this week.
Cam Rising looked sharp in his decision-making last week, he’ll need to be even sharper in this one. Properly identifying how and where to attack this Baylor defense and then executing will be a big factor in this one.
For the top Utah Football storylines, follow Utah insider Steve Bartle or check out his coverage on sports.ksl.com.
