Wayshawn Parker Questionable for Utah's Matchup With Arizona

The Utah Utes football program has hit new heights in the modern era. At 9-0 for the first time since 2008, beating No. 9 BYU 28-20 was more than just a rivalry win. But lost in the shuffle of the victory was a potential lingering storyline. Utes star running back Wayshawn Parker appeared to suffer an injury late in the game. Utah has hit new heights in the modern era. At 9-0 for the first time since 2008

The initial report was positive. Parker is reportedly dealing with a bruise, and is "expected to play on Saturday at No. 23 Arizona," according to ESPN's Pete Thamel. "He was limited against BYU after appearing to injure himself on the opening drive, as he carried the ball only twice in the first half."

However, Parker's latest status is up in the air before facing the Wildcats. He was listed as questionable on Wednesday's Big 12 Availability Report. He finished the game against BYU with 2.6 yards per carry, four yards shy of his average coming into the game. Parker also has nine touchdowns this season.

While the Utes didn't need Parker's talents in the 'Holy War' win. But that won't be the case in the coming weeks. If Parker is ruled out against Arizona, dual-threat quarterback Devon Dampier will be able to step up. That doesn't mean it's going to be easy. So what comes next for Parker and Utah? He'll try to be 100 percent healthy and stay on the good side of the report. That's just not the case right now.

Also, what happened in the play is concerning. Parker briefly exited the game after planting wrong on the field. He started pounding the bench during a timeout. The unbeaten Utes' have an interesting schedule. Arizona will give Utah everything they can handle this week. While the Wildcats escaped an upset attempt by TCU last Friday, we'll see if the team has a letdown. Tucson will be a great backdrop and the Utes will try to move up. This heavyweight Big 12 Conference showdown surely will impact the College Football Playoff race. Especially if Arizona pulls off the upset of the Utes.

Utah's 9-0 start puts them in rare air. They are one of two college football teams without a loss. We'll see if that remains before the College Football Playoff. Morgan Scalley is the only Utes coach to start 10-0 in school history.

No. 2 Utah faces No. 23 Arizona at 7:30 p.m. ET on FOX. Hopefully, Parker will be ready to go and contribute at a high level.