Utah operating again Micah Bernard appears appears for yardage in opposition to Oregon State at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake Metropolis on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022. Bernard is a bit banged-up however can be able to tote the ball Saturday in opposition to UCLA. Scott G Winterton, Deseret Information
Utah’s operating backs room has confronted points and created loads of storylines in the course of the first month of the season.
Chris Curry suffered a season-ending harm. Tavion Thomas handled a loss of life in his household and was held out of the primary half in opposition to Arizona State. Freshman Jaylon Glover has obtained a chance to make his debut and former third-string quarterback Ja’Quinden Jackson not too long ago switched to operating again.
“Among the finest quotes I’ve heard is, ‘The most effective capability is availability.’ Simply to be obtainable and constant and have folks know they'll depend upon you is a superb feeling as a result of you realize that you simply’re doing all your job proper.” — Utah operating again Micah Bernard
In the meantime, Micah Bernard has been the Utes’ most constant again this season.
Bernard has rushed 25 instances for 138 yards and a landing. He’s additionally caught 14 passes for 143 yards.
“We’d wish to get Micah concerned as a lot as we are able to. He’s been a bit of bit banged up. He’s not 100%. However he’s a brave child,” stated coach Kyle Whittingham. “He’s been our most constant again. He’s our greatest cross protector and he catches the ball out of the backfield. He brings loads to the desk.”
What does it imply to Bernard to be regarded in that manner by his coach?
“It means loads. I attempt to be constant. Among the finest quotes I’ve heard is, ‘The most effective capability is availability,’” he stated. “Simply to be obtainable and constant and have folks know they'll depend upon you is a superb feeling as a result of you realize that you simply’re doing all your job proper.”
Bernard acknowledged that he’s not absolutely wholesome.
“I’ve been banged-up the previous couple of weeks. I’m continuously making an attempt to get higher and make myself really feel good,” he stated. “However that doesn’t cease me from going on the market on Saturdays and getting the job carried out.”
The Utes ran for 162 yards in final week’s 42-16 victory over Oregon State however quarterback Cam Rising was the main rusher with 73 yards and a landing.
After that sport, Whittingham stated the bottom assault is “not residing as much as our potential in that space.”
Bernard is assured in Utah’s floor assault.
“The run sport has all the time been part of Utah soccer. It’s going to be about time when groups work out that that’s what they should do to attempt to cease us. It’s sort of robust,” he stated. “We all know we have to preserve working at it. Utah soccer is the run sport. However it’s good to know that we are able to put the ball within the air and get the job carried out additionally. Now we have now to mesh these collectively — operating and passing the ball.”
Whittingham stated Thomas is working his manner again.
“He’s been on observe. Barring any setbacks this week, you must see him an increasing number of because the weeks go on.”
Because the No. 11 Utes face No. 18 UCLA Saturday, Bernard, who hails from Lengthy Seaside, can be taking part in in entrance of family and friends on the Rose Bowl.
However securing tickets for everybody isn’t straightforward.
“It’s very worrying. I've lots of household from SoCal,” he stated. “Lots of people need to come and see the sport. All people desires a ticket. It’s so worrying. I’ve acquired to battle via it.”
Utes on the air
No. 11 Utah (4-1, 2-0)
at No. 18 UCLA (5-0, 2-0)
Saturday, 1:30 p.m. MDT
Rose Bowl
Pasadena, California
TV: Fox
Radio: ESPN 700