GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: Utah surged into the Top 25 on the strength of three consecutive double-digit-point wins. Central to the midseason resurgence has been the fast development of a potent passing attack, an element consistently missing from the Utes offense in recent seasons.
QB Tyler Huntley is coming off a 341-yard passing performance in a 41-28 win over USC, which included touchdown passes to four different targets. The diversity of Utah’s corps of pass-catchers presents a challenge to the UCLA secondary, playing without CB Nate Meadors. Speedy WR Britain Covey has been Utah’s primary weapon, but he has counterparts in Jaylen Dixon and Demari Simpkins to help spread the field, while big Samson Nacua provides Utah a dangerous possession target.
DRAFT SLANT
–OT Andre James started against Arizona, just days after the passing of his father, and according to RB Joshua Kelly, James “was by far the best player on that field (Saturday).” NFLDraftScout.com’s 12th-rated offensive tackle for 2020 is a Utah native and was pursued as a recruit by the Utah coaching staff, which he will go against Saturday.
ROSTER REPORT:
–QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson has been limited in initial practices leading up to Friday’s game, after sitting out the second half vs. Arizona on Saturday.
–CB Nate Meadors did not play against Arizona. He came out of the lineup Oct. 13 at Cal, and his status for Friday is uncertain.
–OL Justin Murphy remains questionable, and according to a 247Sports.com report, did not participate in practice on Sunday.
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