UCLA Football: Why Bruins Might Be Catching Utes At Just The Right Time

As the UCLA Bruins are preparing for their massive game against the Utah Utes this weekend, it seems that UCLA could be catching the powerhouse Utes on a good week. Utah has been dealing with a ton of injuries lately, and it may be catching up to them.

Utah has injury concerns all over the place, and it could cost them the game if they can't get some players back in time. Head coach Kyle Whittingham gave his thoughts and seemed a little worried about having to play the upstart Bruins while so injured.

“We’ve got to get healthy — we have 15 or 16 guys that can help us win that are not available,” he said after Saturday’s 31-7 win over Weber State. “… Getting our starting [defensive] tackles back, Connor O’Toole back — JT Broughton didn’t play today. We’ve got to get all our guys intact. That’s what we’re hoping for this week, is to get a good chunk of those guys that are missing back. That’s the most important thing that could happen to make us better.”

Per The Salt Lake Tribune

On the other side, Bruins head coach Chip Kelly didn't want to talk about injuries and credited the Utes for their strong depth.

They’re all really good players; if one guy’s down it’s not like there’s a huge dropoff”

Per The Salt Lake Tribune

One of the biggest questions for the Utes this weekend is whether or not All-Pac-12 quarterback Cam Rising will play. He has missed time while rehabbing an injury he suffered in the team's bowl game months ago. But there is a chance that he could suit up for this matchup if cleared.

“I’ve got a ton of respect for Cam Rising. I think he’s an amazing competitor. He’s been one of the top quarterbacks, not only in this league but in the country, for a long time,” said UCLA coach Chip Kelly. “I’m sure Kyle is always making his decisions based on health and safety."

Per The Salt Lake Tribune

While the Bruins won't be banking on these injured players not to play, they could be getting some luck entering the game. But even if Utah is down starters, the Bruins can't take them lightly at all.

They are still going on the road into a hostile environment, and the Utes will be coming to play. So the Bruins need to prepare like this is a fully healthy Utah team and stay focused on not taking things for granted.

UCLA has looked good this season, so we should be in for a good game. UCLA will take the win however they can, but if they are going to beat them, they'd rather beat the best of the best.

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