Stanley emerges as big-play threat for No. 11 Utah ahead of showdown with Baylor
In the ever-evolving landscape of college football, few stories are as compelling as the rise of an under-the-radar talent making a seismic impact. Dijon Stanley, a name that barely registered on the national radar before the season, has burst into the spotlight for No. 11 Utah. As the Utes prepare for their high-stakes showdown with Baylor, Stanley’s explosive performances are turning heads and injecting a new layer of excitement into Utah’s game plan.
Stanley’s debut was nothing short of spectacular. In just three plays during the first half of Utah’s season opener against Southern Utah, Stanley managed to carve out a new role for himself as a dynamic offensive threat. His initial contribution came on a 64-yard wheel route that showcased his speed and agility. This play wasn’t just a highlight; it was a statement. It announced Stanley’s arrival and hinted at the potential he could bring to the Utes’ offense.
But Stanley wasn’t finished there. In the second quarter, he once again exploited Southern Utah’s defense, this time for a 79-yard touchdown. His ability to turn what seemed like a routine play into a spectacular score underscored his game-changing potential. The raw numbers—150 receiving yards and 34 rushing yards—were impressive enough, but the impact of his plays was even more significant. As a fourth-string running back listed on the depth chart, Stanley’s sudden emergence as the Utes’ leading receiver and rusher has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Stanley’s own assessment of his contribution reveals a lot about his mindset. “I feel like I bring a special skill, not only as a running back,” Stanley said. “I feel like I could be flexed out and also play receiver. I have a receiver-type body. It makes me a bigger attribute to the team in that way.” His versatility is a crucial asset for Utah. With a background in running the 400 meters in high school, Stanley’s speed is not just an attribute but a defining feature of his game. His teammates have described him as the fastest player on the team, a trait that Utah has wisely leveraged by designing a special package of plays to highlight his unique abilities.
Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham has been cautiously optimistic about Stanley’s role. While acknowledging that Stanley isn’t yet ready to be an every-down back, Whittingham has indicated that his role could expand if he continues to perform at a high level. “He’s a weapon for us, at least he was in that first game, and if we can create some more big yardage chunk plays with him in the future, that could be a niche he could fill for us this year,” Whittingham noted. The coach’s words highlight the strategic adjustments that are underway to incorporate Stanley’s skill set more prominently into the Utes’ offensive scheme.
The transition from being a backup with limited opportunities to becoming a focal point in a high-powered offense is something Stanley is relishing. Last season, he managed only 22 total yards, a stark contrast to his current level of production. “To be in the thick of it is so much fun,” Stanley said. “Coach (Andy) Ludwig is going to keep making up plays and making up excellent schemes for us to run.” The enthusiasm and commitment he expresses reflect his readiness to seize this opportunity and make the most of the expanded role.
As Utah gears up for their clash with Baylor, the addition of Stanley as a key playmaker could be a game-changer. The Utes’ offense, rejuvenated by his dynamic contributions, will face a Baylor team that has its own offensive weapons and aspirations.
On the other side of the field, Baylor’s new quarterback, Dequan Finn, is another player who is poised to make a significant impact. Having led Toledo to a MAC Championship last season, Finn’s transfer to Baylor has injected a sense of optimism into the Bears’ program. His debut for Baylor was impressive: 192 passing yards, two touchdowns, and 39 rushing yards with another score. Though he did throw two interceptions, Finn’s ability to create plays and his dual-threat capability were on full display.
Baylor coach Dave Aranda is clearly encouraged by Finn’s performance. “The best thing about all of it is that he’s way determined and way focused,” Aranda said. The Bears’ optimism is rooted in Finn’s proven track record. With over 2,000 passing yards and 500 rushing yards in each of his previous three seasons, Finn’s experience and playmaking ability are expected to be crucial for Baylor’s offensive resurgence.
Finn’s competition for the starting job was stiff, with Sawyer Robertson returning as the starter. However, Finn’s performance in fall camp and his subsequent debut suggest that he has earned his place under center. His experience and skill set could very well be the difference-maker that helps Baylor turn a corner after a challenging previous season.
As the Utes prepare for their game against the Bears, another milestone is on the horizon for Utah quarterback Cam Rising. Rising, a seasoned and accomplished player, needs just 22 rushing yards to reach 1,000 yards for his career. His performance in the season opener—25 rushing yards and 254 passing yards with five touchdowns—demonstrates his continued significance to the Utes’ offense. Rising’s ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs adds another layer of complexity to Utah’s offensive strategy, further amplifying the challenge for Baylor’s defense.
Yet, not all news is positive for the Utes. The team has suffered a significant blow with the injury to cornerback Kenan Johnson, who will miss the remainder of the season. Johnson, a transfer from Georgia Tech, had just started to make his mark before going down with a leg injury. His absence will be felt deeply, but it also opens up opportunities for other players. Elijah “Scooby” Davis, who stepped in following Johnson’s injury, is now listed as the starter at right cornerback. Smith Snowden and Michigan transfer Cameron Calhoun are also in the mix, and their performances will be closely scrutinized as they fill the void left by Johnson.
Saturday’s game between Utah and Baylor carries added significance beyond the immediate implications of the matchup. Despite being a non-conference game, it marks the second part of a home-and-home series initiated when the Utes were still part of the Pac-12 Conference. This scheduling quirk adds an extra layer of intrigue to the contest, as it represents a continuation of a previously established rivalry.
However, the clash between No. 11 Utah and Baylor is set to be a thrilling encounter, driven by the emerging talents and key players on both sides. Dijon Stanley’s meteoric rise as a playmaker for Utah, combined with Dequan Finn’s dynamic playmaking for Baylor, sets the stage for a captivating game. With Cam Rising nearing a career milestone and the Utes navigating injury challenges, this game promises to be a compelling spectacle for college football fans. As both teams look to assert their dominance, Stanley and Finn’s performances will be pivotal in determining the outcome of this high-profile showdown.
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