UCLA Football: 3 reasons the Bruins will upset No. 11 Utah

3. Laiatu Latu will be a consistent disruptor

That aforementioned UCLA pass rush? It’s led by edge rusher Laiatu Latu.

He’s off to a fast start in 2023. Through three games, he’s racked up five tackles, four sacks, a forced fumble, and an interception. He’s picked up right where he left off in 2022 when he compiled 10.5 sacks and three forced fumbles.

Latu is one of the premier pass rushers in the conference, and he’s earned high praise from Chip Kelly. When Jim Rome asked Kelly where Latu ranked among the best pass rushers he’s ever coached, Kelly was quick to say he’s right up there at the top.

This is the kind of game that pass rushers salivate over. Considering all those questions at quarterback, Latu is going to feast on Saturday.

If Johnson is the starter, Latu will disrupt the inexperienced passer’s flow on a consistent basis and force him into mistakes.

If Rising is the starter, Latu will waste no time in forcing him to run around on that leg he injured earlier this year.

Either way, the Bruin pass rush, led headfirst by Latu, is arguably the most important factor in a potential UCLA football upset this weekend.