How does this Utah team turn back to the focus of football after enduring more tragedy with the death of safety Aaron Lowe?
Markham: "It’s tough, man. It’s even tough on me with all the news on the situation that I’ve dug up. Too many Utah players witnessed their friend and teammate get murdered. It makes me tear up even thinking about that. The best they can do, though, is use football as an outlet to go through their grieving process and hopefully bond even more together.
"Is that even possible, though? I just don’t know and we won’t know the answer to that until after the first quarter on Saturday."
What is the ceiling of this Utes team based on the first four games, with the only wins so far coming against Weber State and a bad Washington State team?
Markham: "Because of the Aaron Lowe tragedy, it’s tough to say. What I do know is that the coaching staff went with the safe choice at quarterback to start the year — which was the wrong choice. It’s the opinion of many that I talk to around the program, and also my own opinion, that Utah would be 4-0 with the much more mobile Cam Rising as the starter from the get-go.
"If the offense can fix its fumbling issues, this team can be in the thick of things for the Pac-12 South. I just think it’s going to be a draining challenge for them mentally now — with the murder of Lowe — and Utah very easily could struggle to win many more games."
What went into the change at QB and how surprising was Brewer's departure after losing the job?
Markham: "His departure wasn’t too surprising because he has a redshirt year left, so it was a business decision. What led to the change is that Utah’s offensive line has been dinged up and really struggling. If Brewer doesn’t have a clean pocket, he really struggles (i.e. his 2020 Baylor season). Rising’s mobility is a big plus that lessens Utah’s offensive weakness.
"Also, I’m not trying to knock Brewer, but Rising brings a swagger and confidence that Brewer just never showed in his brief time in Salt Lake. When Rising checked in against SDSU and took the game into overtime, the writing was on the wall. It was Rising’s team and there really was no question."
Who are the offensive skill position players USC fans should know about?
Markham: "Rising first and foremost and for all the reasons I mentioned above. The guys respond well to his energy on the field, he’s mobile, has a high football IQ and he can sling it. Had Utah not lost three fumbles against Washington State, they would have put 40+ on the board.
"Additionally, the Utes trio of tight ends: Brant Kuithe, Cole Fotheringham and Dalton Kincaid. Kincaid was one of the surprises of the offseason and he’s been dominant so far in 2021. With the receivers, Rising and Britain Covey have really good rapport, so the Trojans will want to focus on keeping Covey from going off early-on.
"At running back, Micah Bernard might be a game time decision. He’s a special talent, but he’s been dinged up the last two games. Oklahoma transfer TJ Pledger should see an increased role and deservedly so. The one wildcard is Tavion Thomas who is a freak of nature at 6-foot-2 and 230 pounds, but he’s had major fumbling issues this season."
And who are the standouts on the defensive side?
Markham: "It all starts with Devin Lloyd, the all-everything linebacker is well on his way to being a first round pick in the next NFL Draft. Linebacker Nephi Sewell is a playmaker, but he missed the Wazzu game and his backup Karene Reid responded with 15 tackles and an interception.
"On the line, the starting ends, Mika Tafua and Van Fillinger could cause Slovis nightmares. They’ve struggled against mobile quarterbacks in 2021, but have done well against pocket passers.
"Among the cornerbacks, Clark Phillips is the next Utah hotshot to watch out for at that position."
USC transfer Munir McClain hasn't yet made an impact for the Utes -- how does he fit into the future plans?
Markham: "To be honest, no receiver has really made an impact other than a little bit of Britain Covey. That being said, the program loves McClain and they’ve been working him into playing shape. His opportunity will come pretty soon if the other receivers continue with uninspiring performances. Expect McClain to get more and more action as it gets later into the season. As for what his role could be against his old team, I’m sure the Utah staff will give him more opportunities this week."
What's your prediction and why?
Markham: "I want to say the Utes can rise up from adversity and beat an inconsistent USC team, but it’s not going to happen. I’ve already prepped the fans to just support their team regardless of their 2021 results because there’s no telling how this team will respond after two tragedies in nine months. They have the right leaders in place to guide them through it with Lloyd, Covey and Rising. It’s just a big unknown on how they’ll respond until they take the field this Saturday. USC 31, Utah 17."
Markham: "It’s tough, man. It’s even tough on me with all the news on the situation that I’ve dug up. Too many Utah players witnessed their friend and teammate get murdered. It makes me tear up even thinking about that. The best they can do, though, is use football as an outlet to go through their grieving process and hopefully bond even more together.
"Is that even possible, though? I just don’t know and we won’t know the answer to that until after the first quarter on Saturday."
What is the ceiling of this Utes team based on the first four games, with the only wins so far coming against Weber State and a bad Washington State team?
Markham: "Because of the Aaron Lowe tragedy, it’s tough to say. What I do know is that the coaching staff went with the safe choice at quarterback to start the year — which was the wrong choice. It’s the opinion of many that I talk to around the program, and also my own opinion, that Utah would be 4-0 with the much more mobile Cam Rising as the starter from the get-go.
"If the offense can fix its fumbling issues, this team can be in the thick of things for the Pac-12 South. I just think it’s going to be a draining challenge for them mentally now — with the murder of Lowe — and Utah very easily could struggle to win many more games."
What went into the change at QB and how surprising was Brewer's departure after losing the job?
Markham: "His departure wasn’t too surprising because he has a redshirt year left, so it was a business decision. What led to the change is that Utah’s offensive line has been dinged up and really struggling. If Brewer doesn’t have a clean pocket, he really struggles (i.e. his 2020 Baylor season). Rising’s mobility is a big plus that lessens Utah’s offensive weakness.
"Also, I’m not trying to knock Brewer, but Rising brings a swagger and confidence that Brewer just never showed in his brief time in Salt Lake. When Rising checked in against SDSU and took the game into overtime, the writing was on the wall. It was Rising’s team and there really was no question."
Who are the offensive skill position players USC fans should know about?
Markham: "Rising first and foremost and for all the reasons I mentioned above. The guys respond well to his energy on the field, he’s mobile, has a high football IQ and he can sling it. Had Utah not lost three fumbles against Washington State, they would have put 40+ on the board.
"Additionally, the Utes trio of tight ends: Brant Kuithe, Cole Fotheringham and Dalton Kincaid. Kincaid was one of the surprises of the offseason and he’s been dominant so far in 2021. With the receivers, Rising and Britain Covey have really good rapport, so the Trojans will want to focus on keeping Covey from going off early-on.
"At running back, Micah Bernard might be a game time decision. He’s a special talent, but he’s been dinged up the last two games. Oklahoma transfer TJ Pledger should see an increased role and deservedly so. The one wildcard is Tavion Thomas who is a freak of nature at 6-foot-2 and 230 pounds, but he’s had major fumbling issues this season."
And who are the standouts on the defensive side?
Markham: "It all starts with Devin Lloyd, the all-everything linebacker is well on his way to being a first round pick in the next NFL Draft. Linebacker Nephi Sewell is a playmaker, but he missed the Wazzu game and his backup Karene Reid responded with 15 tackles and an interception.
"On the line, the starting ends, Mika Tafua and Van Fillinger could cause Slovis nightmares. They’ve struggled against mobile quarterbacks in 2021, but have done well against pocket passers.
"Among the cornerbacks, Clark Phillips is the next Utah hotshot to watch out for at that position."
USC transfer Munir McClain hasn't yet made an impact for the Utes -- how does he fit into the future plans?
Markham: "To be honest, no receiver has really made an impact other than a little bit of Britain Covey. That being said, the program loves McClain and they’ve been working him into playing shape. His opportunity will come pretty soon if the other receivers continue with uninspiring performances. Expect McClain to get more and more action as it gets later into the season. As for what his role could be against his old team, I’m sure the Utah staff will give him more opportunities this week."
What's your prediction and why?
Markham: "I want to say the Utes can rise up from adversity and beat an inconsistent USC team, but it’s not going to happen. I’ve already prepped the fans to just support their team regardless of their 2021 results because there’s no telling how this team will respond after two tragedies in nine months. They have the right leaders in place to guide them through it with Lloyd, Covey and Rising. It’s just a big unknown on how they’ll respond until they take the field this Saturday. USC 31, Utah 17."
