Wideout Shaq Evans and the rest of the UCLA Bruins hope to get back on their feet against Utah. (AP) |
Utah (4-1, 1-1 Pac-12) at UCLA (4-2, 1-2 Pac-12)
Kickoff: Saturday, 3 p.m. ET (Fox)
Spread: UCLA by 8
Watchability: Not bad, even if these are two frenetic teams. If the good versions of both come to play, it'll be a good game.
Shining stars: UCLA: As Johnathan Franklin continues his march toward UCLA rushing king -- he's 264 off career leader Gaston Green -- we pause to appreciate the strides he's taken this season. Franklin has hit the 100-yard mark five times in six games and has 800 yards on the year after totaling 976 last season. Utah: DeVonte Christopher, is that you? The Utes wide receiver is ever-so-slowly coming out of his shell after grabbing six passes for 62 yards and a touchdown against USC, his best production of the season. He should continue his rebound against the Bruins' meager defensive backfield.
Who could steal the show: UCLA: Junior defensive lineman Cassius Marsh is coming into his own. On both sides of the ball. Marsh had a touchdown reception against the Bears out of the jumbo package, then racked up eight tackles, two TFLs, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. That's called a full plate. Utah: Backup quarterback Travis Wilson, considered a promising prospect for the Utes, might turn into more, and fast. Wilson's turn at the wheel last Thursday against USC was fruitful (4-6, 49 yards), and coach Kyle Whittingham has indicated he wants to use the freshman more.
You going? Ranking the road trip: They don't get much more picturesque than the Rose Bowl on a Saturday afternoon. The Bruins have (mostly) put a good product on the field this season, too, for a change.
Magic number for UCLA: 19.8. The Bruins managed just 17 points in their disappointing road loss at Cal, where the team hasn't won since 1998, and that was almost 20 points under their season average of 36.8.
Magic number for Utah: 114. Utah's offense has been downright dreadful through five games, ranking 114th out of 120 teams in total offense. That must improve.
This game comes down to: Protection, protection, protection. The team on which the quarterback is literally the last man standing will be the last team standing.
Prediction: UCLA 27, Utah 22
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