SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Three video games match two ranked Pac-12 groups on Saturday, with one taking a noticeable backseat to the others.
No. 11 Utah and No. 22 UCLA have largely stayed out of the highlight in comparison with different High 25 showdowns between No. 19 Colorado and No. 10 Oregon and between No. 14 Oregon State and No. 21 Washington State.
Lurking within the shadows hasn’t lessened the stakes forward for both the Utes or the Bruins.
Utah (3-0) sits on the cusp of a high 10 rating after incomes victories over No. 25 Florida and Baylor. The Utes have stayed unbeaten whereas battling a slew of accidents at nearly each place. They’ve relied on a smothering protection to provide wins even whereas lacking key offensive playmakers like Cameron Rising and Brant Kuithe.
Utah has allowed three complete touchdowns in three video games. The Utes rank second amongst Pac-12 groups in complete protection (270.7 ypg) and scoring protection (10.3 ppg).
“We obtained numerous confidence within the protection, and that does play into how we’re approaching offense,” Utah coach Kyle Whittingham mentioned.
Damage-related attrition has not diminished what a win over Utah would imply for opponents seeking to knock the Utes from their perch atop the Pac-12.
“It’s straightforward to get to the highest. It’s arduous to remain there,” operating again Ja’Quinden Jackson mentioned. “I positively really feel like we’ve obtained a goal on our backs as a result of we’re the two-time defending champions.”
UCLA (3-0) practically prevented the Utes from a title repeat final season after claiming a 42-32 victory to snap a five-game shedding streak within the sequence. The Bruins churned out 203 speeding yards and averaged 8.2 yards per play whereas forcing two turnovers.
UCLA may give Utah loads of issues once more. The Bruins high the Pac-12 in speeding offense (270.3 ypg), scoring protection (10.0 ppg) and passes intercepted (six). Nonetheless, they haven’t received in Salt Lake Metropolis since 2015 and aren’t taking something as a right.
“I don’t assume overconfident comes into any dialog whenever you’re taking part in Utah,” UCLA coach Chip Kelly mentioned. “I don’t assume that phrase exists whenever you’re taking part in this crew.”
STIFLING THE RUN
Stopping groups from transferring the chains on operating performs is an space of power for each Utah and UCLA. The Utes lead the Pac-12 in speeding protection, permitting 65.0 yards per recreation. The Bruins rank second in that class, yielding 69.67 yards per contest.
Utah’s success in stopping the run has translated to additionally main Pac-12 groups in first downs protection (36) and third down conversion protection (20.00%).
“We’re not going to have to attain 40 factors most weeks to win,” Whittingham mentioned. “The protection has accomplished a pleasant job of protecting groups out of the tip zone and factors off the board.”
FRESHMAN QB BATTLE
With Rising nonetheless a game-time determination for Utah, a pair of freshman quarterbacks may probably take heart stage Saturday.
Nate Johnson earned his first profession begin in Utah’s 31-7 win over Weber State. Johnson threw for a career-high 193 yards and a landing whereas finishing 62% of his passes. He added 71 yards and a landing on the bottom towards the Wildcats.
“The coaches trusted me with the offense, and so they gave me an opportunity to indicate what I can do,” Johnson mentioned.
Dante Moore hasn’t missed a beat in two begins for UCLA. Moore has racked up 472 yards and 5 touchdowns by way of the air in these video games, whereas finishing 64% of his passes. He leads the nation with 19.22 yards per completion.
Moore is attempting to develop into the primary freshman quarterback to beat Utah at Rice-Eccles Stadium since former Oregon QB Justin Herbert in 2016.
“Having the ability to go to Utah, I’m excited to see what Dante can do,” Bruins receiver Logan Loya mentioned. “I’ve full religion in him. I consider he’s prepared for something we throw at him.”
PUNTER U
Particular groups live as much as their title at Utah once more in relation to punting. The Utes lead the Pac-12 in internet punting (44.54). Jack Bouwmeester has punted 13 occasions over Utah’s first three video games. Six of Bouwmeester’s punts traveled 50 yards or farther. Seven punts landed contained in the opponent’s 20-yard line.
TAKEAWAY SPECIALISTS
UCLA has made a behavior of repeatedly forcing turnovers early within the season. The Bruins have collected eight takeaways in three video games — six interceptions and two fumbles. They rank within the high 10 amongst Soccer Bowl Subdivision groups in turnovers gained.
Success in forcing turnovers has helped UCLA hold opponents out of the tip zone for lengthy stretches. North Carolina Central went scoreless over its first 11 possessions towards the Bruins. Coastal Carolina didn’t rating over its last six drives, and San Diego State went scoreless on its last eight possessions.
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