Utah Running Back Devontae Booker to Undergo Knee Surgery

Utah running back Devontae Booker is undergoing minor knee surgery and will miss the rest of the regular season. He could be back for Utah's bowl game though. ESPN700's Sean O'Connell first reported the news here. This is a tough blow for the Utes as Booker is the best offensive football player for the team. Back up running Joe Williams saw his most action of the season last week against Arizona when he filled in for Booker after he missed time in the game because of the knee injury that is now causing him to miss the rest of the regular season. Williams had seven carries for 37 yards and caught three passes for 13 yards. On the season, he has 19 carries for 78 yards. Williams started his college football career at UConn. He got into some legal troubles and went the junior college route. He is now in his first season at Utah. Williams does not have the power that Booker has, but he is still a 200-pound back. He also reportedly has 4.50 40-yard dash speed. He has flashed some of his speed in his limited opportunities so far this season, but he has a huge hole to fill with No. 23 not able to play. It will be interesting to see if Utah gives former running back turned slot receiver Bubba Poole any reps at running back. Poole led the Utes in rushing in the 2013 season.

The Utes will need Williams to step up carrying the football in their game Saturday at home against UCLA if they want to still have a shot to win the Pac-12 South. Last year, Utah pulled off a huge upset at UCLA with backup quarterback Kendal Thompson playing after starter Travis Wilson was benched.