BERKELEY, Calif. -- The University of Utah (3-3, 0-3 Pac- 12) is now facing their fourth Pac-12 opponent in the University of California Berkley (3-3, 1-3) and still looking for their first conference win. The Utes are 0-3 so far in conference. Will this be there first conference win or their fourth loss? We will have to watch to find out but let's look at how these two teams match up on paper.

Utah offense vs. Cal defense

The Utes are struggling offensively this year, with exception to the BYU game, and are ranked 99th nationally in total offense.

However, John White is averaging 112 yards per game (16th nationally) and has scored six rushing touchdowns. Against Pitt White ran the ball 36 times for 171 yards. Interestingly, even with White the Utes only rank 83rd nationally with 129 yards rushing, meaning after White the rest of the team nets 17 yards on the ground.

The Bears on the other hand are 49th in total defense, 45th in rushing defense (allowing 132 yards per game).

The Utes have scored 18 offensive TDs and the Bears have given up 21.

Ball security has been a concern of the Utes as of late, so far this year they have turned the ball over 13 times, that is more than two turnovers per game.

If there is anywhere the Bears can be exploited it would have to be in pass defense, ranking 64th, but the Utes don't have the strongest passing attack. The Utes only average 201.5 yards per game passing and since Jon Hays has started at quarterback have yet to throw for over 200 yards. The Bears give up an average of 223 yards per game through the air, abut have given up 12 scores through the air and have only four interceptions.

Advantage: Cal, by slight margin

Utah defense vs. Cal offense

Here is where the real match-up is. Cal has the 33rd ranked offense while Utah's defense is 25th in the nation. Cal gains on average 436.5 yards per game while Utah's defense only allows 326 yards per game.

Utah has the advantage in stopping the run but Cal has the advantage at throwing the ball. The Bears average close to 300 yards passing and the Utes give up 232 yards. The one thing that really matters most is the score and the Bears have been able to score 23 offensive TDs and the Utes have given up 15.

Advantage: Utah

Special Teams

Once again both teams are fairly evenly matched on special teams. On kick-offs Cal averages 20 yards per return and Utah allows 19 yards per return, however, Cal has returned a kick-off for a TD and Utah has allowed one for a TD. Vice-versa Utah averages 22 yards per return and Cal allows 18 yards.

Now for punting: Cal averages 5.5 yards per return and Utah allows 6.75 yards per return. Utah averages 7.76 yards per return and Cal gives up 8.82 yards per return. Both teams have allowed one punt to be returned for a TD.

Advantage: Even

These teams are very closely matched, both teams are 0-3 in their last conference games and both need to win a conference game. I give the slight edge to the Bears because they are home but I think the Utes could pull off the win if they can get the pass game going to supplement John White IV and if they can hang onto the ball, otherwise it could be another long PAC-12 Conference game for the Utes.

Email: onlinesports@ksl.com

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