Utes' focus is more on Utah than UCLA

As imposing as UCLA might be, the 11th-ranked Bruins aren't winless Utah's top concern going into today's game at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

The Utes have other things to worry about.

"The most important thing for us this week is not preparing for UCLA in particular but in taking care of business within our own team," coach Kyle Whittingham said. "We know what our problems are and we need to find some answers — regardless of who we play."

Off to their worst start since 2000, the Utes (0-2) are battling through injuries that have sidelined several contributors, including left tackle Jason Boone, tailback Matt Asiata, quarterback Brian Johnson, wide receiver Brent Casteel and defensive tackle Gabe Long.

Other problems include the ground game — both offensively and defensively.

Utah's weaknesses are pitted against UCLA's strengths. The Utes rank among the nation's worst rushing offenses and defenses, while the Bruins are in the upper echelon.

The matchup could put a damper on former BYU redshirt Ben Olson's Utah debut as a starting quarterback.

"We'll never see a pass if we can't defend the run," said Whittingham, who pointed out that the Bruins have a pair of talented running backs in Chris Markey and Kahlil Bell, as well as a physical offensive line.

"That's why they're ranked No. 11 in the country," Whittingham said.

UCLA's defense is also notable. Senior end Bruce Davis had more sacks last season (12.5) than any returning player in the country. He had two in last week's 27-17 victory over BYU.

"They're fast guys," Utah quarterback Tommy Grady said of UCLA's defensive line. "So we've just got to stick to our game plan. Hopefully it works out for us."

What the Utes opt to do, however, is a bit of a mystery — and the Bruins know it.

"They're desperate for a victory and at home," UCLA coach Karl Dorrell said at his weekly press conference. "Which means you can expect anything and everything to get the momentum and the crowd into the game for them to kind of jump-start their football team."

Dorrell expects a tough environment and is counting on the Bruins to execute better than they did in victories over Stanford and BYU.

In last year's 31-10 loss to UCLA in the Rose Bowl, the Utes had trouble shutting Olson down. His first career start was a good one. He wound up completing 25-of-33 passes for 318 yards and three touchdowns.