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SALT LAKE CITY -- The UCLA Bruins (5-4, 4-2 Pac-12) are in town to face off against the Utah Utes (5-4, 2-4 Pac-12). Both teams are coming off huge wins against the Arizona schools; UCLA won 29-28 at home against Arizona St. and Utah beat Arizona down in Tucson 34-21, the winning team will also be bowl eligible. UCLA is a better offensive team, but Utah is a better defensive team. Who will win? Let's look at the numbers.
Utah Offense vs. UCLA Defense
The Utes are only 111th in the nation offensively gaining a mere 306 total yards, 127 on the ground. However, the Bruins allow over 427 yards a game, 186 yards on the ground. John Hays and the rest of the Ute offense have relied heavily on the running prowess of RB John White IV who is averaging close to 114 yards a game. Hays has not been called upon lately to throw the ball, averaging only 127 yards through the air and he has been intercepted seven times so far.
How well the Utes are able to hang onto the ball and able to pass the ball could be the key to the Utes winning the game.
Advantage: UCLA
Utah Defense vs. UCLA Defense
The Utes' defense is the definite strength of the team and has carried them in many of their wins, and they will need to be as tough as ever against the Bruins. The front seven for Utah has been stellar only allowing 95 yards per game rushing, but the Bruins average 190 yards on the ground. Strength versus strength.The Bruins best running backs are Jonathan Franklin (67 yards/game) and Derrick Coleman (57 yards/game). The anchors for the Ute defense are Chaz Walker who has 76 tackles and Brian Blechen who has 54 tackles, two sacks and a pair of INTs.
Advantage: Utah
Special Teams
The Utes are better at kick-offs, both coverage and returns, than the Bruins. For kick coverage the Utes only allow 18 yards per return and gain 23 yards per return. The Bruins gain just under two yards less per return, but allow 25 yards per kick-off return. As for the punting teams the Utes only allow just over five yards per return and have only punted 10 times this year. The Bruins have punted 17 times allowing close to 10 yards per return.
Advantage: Utes
The keys to this game for a Ute win are: ball control, can they hang on to the ball and not turn it over, White rushing for over 100 yards and Hays passing for over 200 yards. The Utes also need to force turnovers like they did against Oregon St and Arizona. The defense needs to stay as strong as they have all season; a win makes the Utes bowl eligible.
Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. from Rice Eccles Stadium.
Email: onlinesports@ksl.com
