With the picturesque Wasatch Mountains visible to the east, the University of Utah's Rice-Eccles Stadium has been host to one Olympic Games (2002), will host another (2034), while also providing the host Utes one of the strongest homefield advantages in football.

SALT LAKE CITY – Notes and observations from warmups before the Arizona Wildcats’ game against No. 14 Utah on Saturday at Rice-Eccles Stadium (4:30 p.m. Tucson time, Pac-12 Networks):

* Utah quarterback Cameron Rising, a late scratch from last week’s game against Washington State, fully participated in warmups and is expected to start. He has a brace on his left knee.

* Utah’s leading receiver, tight end Dalton Kincaid, is out. Kincaid suffered an upper-body injury against WSU. He has 46 catches for 614 yards and seven touchdowns.

* Utah tailbacks Tavion Thomas and Micah Bernard are dressed. Both have missed time recently, and it remains to be seen how much they’ll play.

* It appears Arizona will have a surprise starter at left guard – freshman Wendell Moe. Moe has yet to appear in a game. Veteran Josh Donovan worked with the second team at that spot. Sam Langi, who started last week at left guard, worked at left tackle with the second unit.

* Freshman tailback Rayshon "Speedy" Luke is dressed. He hasn't played since Week 3 after having ankle surgery.

Gunner Maldonado lined up the "Star" DB spot with the first team and is expected to start. DJ Warnell started the past two games there.

* Cornerback Isaiah Rutherford is dressed and worked with the twos during warmups. He has missed the past four games (knee).

* Arizona is wearing white shirts, white pants and white helmets. The Wildcats are 1-1 in that uniform combo. Utah is wearing red shirts, white pants and red helmets.

Be sure to follow @TheWildcaster and @MichaelJLev on Twitter for updates during and after game.


Become a #ThisIsTucson member! Your contribution helps our team bring you stories that keep you connected to the community. Become a member today.

Contact sports reporter Michael Lev at mlev@tucson.com. On Twitter: @michaeljlev