Big clash ahead when No. 7 Utah and UCLA meet on Saturday
NOTES/QUOTES/PLAYERS TO WATCH
-- Leki Fotu, DT: It’s no joke that UCLA likes to run the ball considering they are the top rushing team in the conference. But the Bruins have yet to face a front seven like Utah’s and in particular DT Leki Fotu. Fotu is a monster up front, and nearly impossible to block one-on-one. He either eats up a double team and creates a pile at the line of scrimmage, or he makes the tackle. How Fotu plays against UCLA’s improving offensive line will be one of the keys to Utah keeping alive its winning streak.
-- Zack Moss, RB: UCLA boasts the highest scoring team in Pac-12 play, but it’s nearly impossible for a team to score when their offense is on the sideline. Moss successfully running the ball will not only lead to touchdowns, more than likely, it will also chew up the clock. Moss has the capability of taking over a game, and with this matchup being its toughest of remaining regular season, it’s essential he does just that.
-- Bradlee Anae, DE: With Fotu clogging up the middle of the trenches with double-teams, Anae will almost certainly be faced one-on-one against UCLA’s tackles. But with 9.0 tackles for loss and 8.0 sacks on the season, Anae has made it a habit of living in opponents’ backfields. UCLA will run the ball, but keeping contain on quarterback Dorian Thompsion-Robinson will be Anae’s job. Keep Thompson-Robinson in the pocket and make him throw, and the Utes will win.
-- Bryan Thompson, WR: Utah likes to run the ball, but when quarterback Tyler Huntley does throw it, watch out for Thompson. He’s tied for the team lead with three touchdowns, but his 26.94 yards per catch on 16 catches showcases his big-play ability. Thompson must make plays to keep the Bruins from overloading the box against the Utes.
Utah Utes wide receiver Bryan Thompson (19) catches a touchdown pass while defended by Idaho State Bengals defensive back Jay Irvine (1) during the second half at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
Series History: 11-6 UCLA. Although it trails in the overall series record, Utah (8-1, 5-1 Pac-12) has been doing its best to even the score by winning three straight in the series. The Utes took down the Bruins 41-10 last year in Southern California with Moss rushing for 211 yards and three scores. Wide receiver Britain Covey amassed 132 scrimmage yards and threw for the lone Utes touchdown through the air. UCLA running back Joshua Kelley, who returns this year, ran for 90 yards and a score.
Oct 26, 2018; Pasadena, CA, USA; Utah Utes running back Zack Moss (2) dives in for a touchdown during the second half against the UCLA Bruins at Rose Bowl.
Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Quote to Note: “Utah's known for being a tough team, but I think we're ready to go out and show we're the tougher team,” said Ethan Fernea, UCLA wide receiver.