Was last week the first time we saw the “real” Utah and the “real” UCLA this season? The latter hopes so, and the former certainly hopes not.
How to watch Utah vs. UCLA: Game guide, TV/streaming, odds
Has UCLA finally figured out its rough patch?
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
UCLA averaged 10 (!!!) yards per play in last week’s 62-27 dismantling of Arizona State. It was an offensive dismantling like no other, with big play after big play after big play. It’s why SB Nation numbers expert Bill Connelly says UCLA is ready for a big run. That’s good news for Bruins fans, who witness their team struggle with weaker teams like Virginia and Texas to start the year.
Unlike the Bruins, Utah was riding high heading into last week, as the Utes dominated Michigan in the Big House. However, the praise surrounding Utah appeared to be premature. It turns out that Michigan is just pretty bad, and the Utes fell to Washington State following their big win. Can they bounce back? It won’t get any easier with a trip to UCLA coming up.
How to watch, listen, and stream
Game time: 10:30 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Radio: UCLA Sports Network, Utah radio
Online streaming: WatchESPN
The numbers
Rankings and records: UCLA is 4-0, and the Bruins are ranked eighth in the AP Poll and 9th in the Coaches Poll. Utah is 3-1 and unranked.
Vegas: UCLA opened as a 12.5-point favorite. The line is now up to 13, while the over/under is 64.
Weather forecast: Mostly sunny with a high of 100 and a low of 67.
Two things at stake
UCLA can’t lose this game and make the College Football Playoff.
A win or a close loss would convince Utes fans that the team is on the right track.
One big matchup
UCLA offense vs. Utah defense: In case it wasn’t abundantly clear from the whole 10 yards per play thing, UCLA has a pretty damn good offense that’s led by Heisman candidate Brett Hundley. The Utes have a solid defense, and they held a good Washington State offense to a respectable 28 points last week. It’s not like UCLA’s offense has been incredibly consistent, and it struggled with Texas and Virginia at times, so Utah has a chance in this game. However, the Utes will need to have a very good defensive effort if they’re going to win this game.
Further reading
Read Rock M Nation for more on Missouri and Garnet and Black Attack for more on South Carolina.
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