Utes Look To Keep Bowl Hopes Alive at UCLA

One year ago in Utah's first Pac-12 season, many Ute fans were wondering if Utah would be able to make a bowl game after a (2-3) start to the season.  The team responded well and rallied to win five of their last seven games to reach (7-5) and continue their great postseason record.  One of those five wins last season was a 31-6 win over UCLA.

Today, the Utes are in a similar situation.  After another (2-3) start to the season, many fans are wondering if the Utes will be able to get to six wins with a much improved Pac-12 this season.  A road win over UCLA would be a great start to turning the season around to reach another bowl game.

Initially this game looked like it would be extremely difficult after the Bruins started the season (3-0) and were ranked No. 19 in the country.  Since then they have lost two of their last three, including a 43-17 blowout loss at Cal.  Confidence may be a bit higher for this game among Utah fans than it was a few weeks ago, but it will still be a very challenging road game.

UCLA has enjoyed a nice season from quarterback Brett Hundley and runningback Jonathan Franklin with their new spread offense.  Freshman quarterback Hundley ranks 3rd in the Pac-12 in passing, averaging 288.8 yards per game.   Franklin leads the conference in rushing, averaging 133.17 yards per game.  UCLA has one of the top offenses in the conference and Utah will have their hands full.

For the Utes we may see a new starting quarterback with true freshman Travis Wilson replacing Jon Hays.  Rumors have circulated that Wilson will get the start after Kyle Whittingham said that his role "will continue to escalate" and that he'll have a much larger role in this game.  Wilson is 8-10 passing on the season in limited time with 98 yards and a touchdown.  

The key to winning this game for Utah will be better play on offense, whoever is playing quarterback and stopping UCLA's run.  The Utes need to do a better job moving the ball on offense and getting the ball to playmakers like Kenneth Scott.  Also, expect John White to get more touches after a productive but limited game against USC.

Defensively, the Utes look to take advantage of a young UCLA offensive line that has three freshman starters.  Against Cal, Hundley felt the pressure and threw four interceptions and was sacked five times.  Star Lotulelei will be lining up against 295-pound freshman center Jake Brendal.  UCLA coach Jim Mora Jr. realizes the challenge of stopping Utah's defensive line and Lotulelei and says they will double team him:

"It's impossible.  The guy's a great one," said UCLA coach Jim Mora Jr.  "I don't throw that term around too loosely.  This guy is one of the best I've seen and I've seen them all.  He is something else.  He wears to little tiny shoulder pads and he's mean looking, he's quick and he's fast, and he's aggressive and he's nasty.  He's something special now."

UCLA is nine point favorite to win the game.  Kickoff will be at 1 p.m. on Fox from the Rose Bowl.  Don't forget to predict the score of the game for a chance to win a UteZone membership.

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