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UCLA Football: UCLA Vs Utah Early Analysis

By Mike Regalado

Nov 21, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; UCLA Bruins wide receiver Darren Andrews (4) carries the ball as Utah Utes defensive back Cory Butler-Byrd (16) defends during the second half at Rice-Eccles Stadium. UCLA won 17-9. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; UCLA Bruins wide receiver Darren Andrews (4) carries the ball as Utah Utes defensive back Cory Butler-Byrd (16) defends during the second half at Rice-Eccles Stadium. UCLA won 17-9. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 28, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Utes defensive tackle Lowell Lotulelei (93) lines up for a play during the second half against the Colorado Buffaloes at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Utah won 20-14. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Utes defensive tackle Lowell Lotulelei (93) lines up for a play during the second half against the Colorado Buffaloes at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Utah won 20-14. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

Key Players

DB Justin Thomas

Thomas was used as a nickel back last season and it worked to his advantage, especially considering his strengths. He is fast, smart and very good in coverage. With 48 total tackles, 3 interceptions and 6 passes broken up, he proved to be a deadly threat when the ball was thrown his way.

This year he is going to be expected to lead the charge in the defensive backfield and help improve Utah’s pass defense. With the aggression the Utes bring to each game, Thomas fits in perfectly and could be one of Utah’s top tacklers in 2016.

DL Lowell Lotulelei

Utah has had some incredibly impactful defensive lineman and Lotulelei continues that tradition this season. As one of the many returning D-line starters, Lotulelei will be a key contributor to the vicious defensive presence of Utah.

As one of the best defensive linemen in the conference (if not the best), Lotulelei will help bridge the gap between last year’s squad and this team.

RB Joe Williams

Williams got some much needed experience towards the end of last season when Utah workhorse Devontae Booker was out with an injury. No one can replace the dominant Booker, but Williams is going to try.

As one of the fastest players on the team, Williams has bulked up and ready to face the competition head on. Through Head Coach Kyle Whittingham may evenly distribute touches, Williams should most likely be the go-to guy when it’s all said and done.

Last year he totaled  477 yards (4.6 yards per carry) and should eclipse that in 2016 behind a line that returns all their starters.

Stats

  • UCLA leads the overall series 11-3
  • Aside from pass defense (9th), Utah was ranked 1st or 2nd in the Pac-12 in all other team defensive stats in 2015.
  • Kyle Whittingham is 95-46 in his time at Utah

Next: Offenses Vs Defenses