Cameron Rising shockingly doesn't start at quarterback for Utah on Thursday

NickSchultz_7

Cameron Rising has put together an impressive season for Utah. That’s why it was surprising to see him on the sidelines to start Thursday’s game against Washington State.

Bryson Barnes started the game for the Utes while Rising stood on the sidelines donning a yellow vest and a headset. It’s unclear why Rising didn’t get the start, and even the FOX announcers seemed baffled by the move.

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It turns out after the USC game, Rising had his left knee wrapped up and was limping, according to the Salt Lake Tribune’s Josh Newman. He didn’t give any indication about a long-term injury, though.

“I’m still upright, still doing good, still breathing,” Rising said when asked about the knee.

Through seven games, Rising has completed 68.8% of his passes for 1,855 yards and 15 touchdowns to help Utah to a 5-2 record to start the season. The Utes are coming off a bye week, but before that, Rising helped lead them to an upset of USC with 415 yards and two touchdowns en route to the 43-42 victory.

Cameron Rising came in at No. 9 in CBS Sports quarterback power rankings

Rising is garnering plenty of attention for his success this season, coming in at No. 9 in CBS Sports’ post-week 8 power rankings.

Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Hendon Hooker remains No. 1 after Week 8 action. Hooker will lead the Vols versus No. 19 Kentucky on Saturday in one of the most intriguing matchups of the weekend.

There are two new names in the rankings this week. Oregon quarterback Bo Nix is now No. 8 after finishing the win over UCLA 22-of-28 for 283 yards, with 51 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Also new after Week 8, Houston quarterback Clayton Tune. Tune has only improved as the season’s gone along. In Week 8, he posted 261 passing yards, five touchdowns and another 43 yards rushing.

Here are CBS Sports’ updated power rankings before the kickoff of Week 9 games.

On3’s Nikki Chavanelle contributed to this report.