Position Battles: Utah at UCLA

The University of Utah (4-1, 2-0) is in Pasadena to face-off against the No. 18 UCLA Bruins (5-0, 2-0), today. The game is at 1:30 PM MST on FOX, as the No. 11 Utes will have a prime opportunity to show the nation whether they’re up to the task as defending Pac-12 champions, looking to either get back to the Rose Bowl or crack the CFP.

The Bruins are coming off an upset last week of the-ranked No. 15 Washington. Let’s check out the position battles:

Quarterback

Buckle up because this should be a fun one to watch. Both Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Cam Rising were highly regarded quarterbacks from the 2018 class. DTR was the No. 2 dual-threat while Rising was the No. 8 pro style quarterback.

Rising is the reigning 2021 First Team Pac-12 quarterback, while DTR has been on some struggling UCLA squads. Both quarterbacks have started 2022 with similar stats, while DTR hasn’t played any tough competition, aside from Washington.

This one ends in a push, as it’s a home game for DTR, but Rising is back home after growing up in Ventura County.

Running Backs

The good news for Utah is that Tavion Thomas understands what is at stake and knows and knows he’s hurt his team recently and also himself. It’s all about actions though, so will Thomas see an increased role and have a bit of a redemption day? Micah Bernard is getting healthier and healthier, while Jaylon Glover and Ja’Quinden Jackson still need some time to develop. Utah needs Tavion to be Tavion again.

UCLA’s Zach Charbonnet has been nothing short of awesome so far. He has 64 carries for 417 yards (6.4 ypc) with 5 touchdowns. This position battle isn’t really close.

Wide Receivers

UCLA gets the nod in this because of Jake Bobo. He is their deep threat with 3 TDs and no drops on the season, so expect to see Bobo and Clark Phillips III match up quite a bit. Utah's receivers are starting to take steps forward each week, but until consistent play and a true #1 emerges, UCLA gets the edge here.

Tight Ends

Despite Utah being without Brant Kuithe for the remainder of the season, Utah still likely won't lose the position battle any time soon. UCLA has former Timpview HS (Orem) standout, Carson Ryan, who has six receptions for 82 yards during his freshman season. They also have Hudson Habermehl, who has 10 receptions for 91 yards and one touchdown. Utah of course, has Dalton Kincaid, who has 19 receptions for 257 yards and five touchdowns.

The one question for Kincaid is how will he respond to not having Kuithe take some of the defensive attention away from him? He had three receptions— without Kuithe last week—for 17 yards and one touchdown.

Despite the tough loss of Kuithe, Utah has a quality backup, with Thomas Yassmin.

Offensive Line

Give the slight edge to Utah here. UCLA has been pretty good in pass protection this season, but just above average in run blocking. Utah's ability to push back opposing defenses and control the line of scrimmage has helped them set the tone this season, and despite some of the uncertainty in the backfield, this gives Utah the slight edge.

Defensive Line

This might be controversial, but this is an even match. UCLA's defense has been holding opponents to just 80 rushing yards per game, and it starts with the guys up front. Utah has bounced back from their early season struggle against Florida, but UCLA has been solid most of the season.

Linebackers

UCLA’s Darius Mausau, is a Hawai'i transfer who is having a solid season. On the season, JonJon Vaughan has 6 QB pressures, 26 tackles, 1 TFL, 2 sacks, and 2 PBU.

The Utes' Karene Reid has been the most consistent linebacker throughout the season. I’m giving the edge to the Utes’ linebacker group. Currently, Reid leads the team with 32 tackles (3.0 TFL)—going back-to-back with 1.5 TFL. Utah true freshman starter, Lander Barton, has continued to make an impact, and with Mohamoud Diabate back from minor injury, he’s playing stronger than ever with the second most tackles in the linebacker group with 19 including 4.0 TFL.

This is another close battle and the only reason Utah gets the edge is overall level of competition played so far.

Secondary

After last week's stellar game by the Utes’ secondary, it seems challenging to give the edge to the Bruins. Clark Phillips III held the crown at three interceptions with one being a pick-6. RJ Hubert also added an interception that set the Utes up for a scoring drive. Add in Cole Bishop, who leads the secondary in tackles, it makes it very difficult for the Bruins in their passing game.

Special Teams

This one is a tie between Utah and UCLA. Jordan Noyes has not missed for Utah all season, whereas UCLA Nicolas Barr-Mira has missed two in their season opener against Bowling Green — but he’s been consistent ever since for the Bruins with some as long as 49 yards.

This also plays into Utah’s kicking coverage. Jack Boumeester has shown some vulnerability this season, leaving an opportunity for a big play from the Bruins.