Utah Football: 3 keys to victory vs. red-hot UCLA in Week 12

TEMPE, AZ - NOVEMBER 03: Quarterback Tyler Huntley #1 of the Utah Utes scrambles with the football during the first half of the college football game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

3. Win the rushing battle

UCLA’s resurgence the last three games has been due to Joshua Kelley and the ground attack. In the last three weeks, Kelley has 466 yards rushing and seven rushing touchdowns. He’s been the bell cow for this Bruins offense, and has been impressive despite UCLA only ranking No. 56 in rushing offense. This is their strength now.

Fortunately for Utah, it’s also their strength. The Utes are the best run defense in the country, holding opponents to 56 rushing yards a game. They’ve given up 504 rushing yards all year and just three rushing touchdowns. It’s a very impressive front seven.

The team that wins the rushing battle is likely going to win the game. On the flip side, Utah is No. 29 in rushing offense at about 207 yards per game and 23 touchdowns on the season, where the Bruins surrender about 137 yards per game.

The Utes have star running back Zack Moss, and that should be the difference in this one. He will have a lot of space to run in this matchup, and if the defense can slow down Kelley, it will be a long day for Bruins fans.

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