1) Containing Utah’s Pass Rush
Three keys might not even be necessary if UCLA’s offensive line can hammer home this one point: protect redshirt junior quarterback Brett Hundley, and do it consistently. Utah’s defense ranks second in the Pac-12 in sacks (18 in four games), and over that same span, UCLA has allowed the most sacks in the conference (13).
With the Utes’ secondary prone to struggles against the pass, expect Utah to bring pressure early and often, hoping to rattle Hundley, as they normally try to do to opposing quarterbacks. The bulk of the pressure will likely come from the edges, where Utah will utilize its defense’s biggest strength – its linebacking corps.
Also, as Hundley continues to nurse a left-elbow injury, protecting him is even more critical on Saturday.
2) Early Running Success
Protecting Hundley will be a much easier task if UCLA can run the ball effectively early on.
Healthy yardage from the UCLA running game will create more third-and-shorts, not to mention wear down Utah’s front seven over the course of the game. But if the Bruins can’t run the ball well, they’ll often find themselves in third-and-longs – like they did against Virginia, when they were just 7-for-18 on third-downs – and that’s when Utah’s front seven can go all-in on its pursuit of Hundley.
Running the ball on Utah though will be no easy task for UCLA. The Utes lead the Pac-12 in rush defense, allowing just 3.0 yards-per-carry.
3) Pressure QB Travis Wilson
In last year’s 34-27 UCLA win over Utah, Utah junior quarterback Travis Wilson threw six interceptions. Yes, a grand total of six. This year, by many accounts, Wilson seems to be shedding his reputation as a gambler. Through four games, he has no picks.
A major factor has been Wilson throwing more short routes, like slants and crossing routes. If UCLA’s defense can collapse the pocket on Wilson and pressure him, perhaps he’ll revert to his old habits. And turnovers by Utah on the road could lead to a runaway win for UCLA.
But then again, that’s a big if. After all, UCLA’s defense, though applying some heat sporadically, ranks dead last in the Pac-12 in sacks (4).
Compiled by Chris Kalra, Bruin Sports senior staff.