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PASADENA, Calif. — The University of Utah could not escape another Pac-12 loss Saturday afternoon, falling to the UCLA Bruins 21-14. Because their was not a single event that lead to a Utah loss, here are a few of the reasons why Utah struggled against the Bruins.
- Utah's defense struggled to contain the edges on running plays, allowing for UCLA quarterback Brett Handley to scramble for easy yards.
- UCLA did their best to avoid Star Lotulelei, oftentimes triple teaming the star defender. However, the defense did not take advantage of the triple team to Lotulelei and failed to put pressure on Handley.
- Utah's defense struggled to tackle. While many tackles could be credited to bad angles, the defense couldn't contain UCLA.
- Penalties hurt the Utes on both sides of the ball. Two offsides penalties early in the game allowed the Bruins to get out of two third down situations. On offense, multiple holding penalties were called after the Utes obtained a first down, killing the momentum and the drive.
- Play calling was confusing. Running back John White ran the ball well in the first half, but was absent in the second, especially on key downs in the red zone. Freshman quarterback Travis Wilson can pass the ball, but White was effective in the run game.
- Wilson started his first game in a difficult environment. It will take time for Wilson to get used to the fast pace of the game after getting thrown into the starting role. Wilson showed there is a bright future with him under center, but also made freshman mistakes.
