This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Utah is back to an "OR" situation at quarterback.
After a strong performance against USC, Travis Wilson finished just 12-for-22 for 57 yards in an overtime loss to Arizona State, and backup Kendal Thompson is back in the fold on the two-deep.
The two will be involved in an "open competition" in practice this week, said head coach Kyle Whittingham at Monday's news conference.
"If you had to determine one thing that really held us back this year, it's the lack of production throwing the football. That's been an ongoing problem, and we've got to get that solved."
The passing struggles have come even as junior running back Devontae Booker has success against eight or nine defenders in the box. Booker has 811 rushing yards in Utah's last five games, while Utah has passed for just 578.
Wilson has completed 93 of 165 attempts for 1,084 yards, nine touchdowns and no interceptions, but he hasn't thrown for 200 yards since doing so in the first half alone against Idaho State.
Whittingham credited Wilson on Monday for doing an "exceptional job" limiting turnovers.
Thompson, in more limited duty, has completed 28 of 47 passes for 301 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions, and he also lost a fumble.
Thompson more of a rushing threat, however: He rushed for 71 yards against Fresno State and 83 at UCLA.
In six games this season, Utah has played both quarterbacks.
— Matthew Piper