Utah-UCLA Preview Capsule

No. 19 Utah (6-1, 3-1 Pac-12) at UCLA (3-4, 1-3), 4 p.m. (Fox)

Line: UCLA by 6.

Series Record: UCLA leads 11-3.

WHAT'S AT STAKE

The steady Utes could knock the inconsistent Bruins out of the Pac-12 South race with their second straight victory at the Rose Bowl. UCLA was the preseason favorite to win the division, but three losses in four games have forced the Bruins into a series of must-wins in mid-October.

KEY MATCHUP

Utah's defensive line vs. UCLA's run game. The Bruins are 126th out of 128 FBS teams in rushing offense, managing just 91.1 yards per game. UCLA simplified its running plays this week in a desperate attempt to get going, but the powerful Utes are allowing just 130.1 yards per game on the ground.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Utah: QB Troy Williams. The Los Angeles-area native left Washington and played at Santa Monica College last year before landing with the Utes. He has passed for 1,546 yards and seven touchdowns with four interceptions, solidifying the position during Utah's rise.

UCLA: LB Jayon Brown. The Pac-12's leader in tackles is the heart of a defense desperately trying to keep the Bruins' season alive despite getting stuck on the field for long stretches, thanks to UCLA's inability to run the ball.

FACTS & FIGURES

UCLA coach Jim Mora won't guess whether QB Josh Rosen will play. He missed last week's loss at Washington State with an undisclosed injury. ... Utah leads the nation in time of possession, keeping the ball for an average of 35:47. ... UCLA has beaten seven of its last nine ranked opponents, but lost to Stanford last month. ... The Utes' defense is second in the nation with 17 takeaways, including 10 interceptions. ... The Bruins have held six straight opponents under 400 yards of offense, their longest stretch since 2010. ... Bruins DE Takkarist McKinley has eight tackles for loss in the last five games. ... With its top rusher and receiver both sidelined by injuries, Utah couldn't score a touchdown in the Bruins' 17-9 win in Salt Lake City last year.

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AP college football website: collegefootball.ap.org