UCLA-Utah Preview Capsule

Posted November 19, 2015 6:00 am

The Associated Press

UCLA (7-3, 4-3 Pac-12, ) at No. 18 Utah (8-2, 5-2, No. 13 CFP), 3:30 p.m. EST (FOX)

Line: Utah by 1

Series Record: UCLA leads 10-3

WHAT'S AT STAKE

A berth in the Pac-12 title game. The Bruins control their own destiny despite having three conference losses. UCLA will represent the Pac-12 South if they beat Utah and USC in the regular-season finale. The Utes, however, need help. They need to win their final two games and need USC to lose to Oregon or UCLA. The loser is eliminated from the championship race.

KEY MATCHUP

The Utah secondary has been a bit perplexing this year. They've given up 256.3 yards per game and rank No. 9 in the Pac-12 in pass defense. At the same time, the Utes are No. 4 in the nation with 16 interceptions. The unit will be put to the test against UCLA freshman QB Josh Rosen, who ranks No. 3 in the Pac-12 in passing yards and No. 5 in passing touchdowns.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

UCLA: RB Paul Perkins. The junior running back is one of just four backs in the Pac-12 to rush for 1,000 yards this season. Perkins, however, has done it with the fewest carries per game (15.1). The 5-foot-11, 210-pounder has averaged 6.0 yards per carry and his 10 rushing touchdowns are tied for third in the league.

UTAH: QB Travis Wilson. The 6-7, 233-pound quarterback holds school records for starts (36) and total touchdowns (76), but inconsistency has plagued his career. The Utes are 1-9 when Wilson throws multiple interceptions.

FACTS & FIGURES

Utah RB Devontae Booker was banged up last week and coach Kyle Whittingham hasn't revealed his status for Saturday. Junior Joe Williams is the backup and the 2016 heir apparent. ... Booker has tied a school record with 14 100-yard games. He also is third in school history with 2,773 rushing yards. ... K Andy Phillips set the Utah record last week with 58 career field goals. ... UCLA WR Jordan Payton has caught a pass in 26 straight games and is seven receptions from setting the school record for career catches. ... Rosen has thrown 188 passes since his last interception. The school record is 199.

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