Punchless Utah Blaze looking to end 5-game losing streak

WEST VALLEY CITY — Having lost their past five games by a combined margin of 131 points, the Utah Blaze desperately want to find the right side of the scoreboard.

Doing that tonight against the Tampa Bay Storm, however, will not be easy.

The Blaze are 0-2 since a mid-season coaching change that also came with some significant roster changes.

The most important change Utah needs to see, though, is a focus on ball control.

"We are just careless with the ball right now, and our turnovers are hurting us," Blaze coach Ron James said after a 70-50 loss to Chicago last week. "We have some work to do this week in order to get that win."

The Blaze have lost 16 of 25 fumbles this season. Utah's defense has forced just seven fumbles.

Utah enters the game averaging just 218 yards of offense per game and only 47 points per outing. Tampa averages 328 yards and 66.8 points.

Reversing those numbers will fall on the hands of quarterback Brett Elliott, who is back in the starting lineup after suffering a hand injury a few weeks ago.

He'll try to hook up with receivers Aaron Boone, Chris Francies and Akamu Aki as often as possible.

Tampa is led by quarterback Brett Dietz, who has thrown for 60 touchdowns this season and averages 305 passing yards per game.

After tonight's game, the Blaze will be back on the road with a trip to Iowa on tap before playing the team's final home games of the season the following two weeks.

Blaze on the air

Utah Blaze (1-8) vs. Tampa Bay Storm (6-3)

Tonight, 7 p.m.

Maverik Center

TV: none Radio: 1280 AM

e-mail: jeborn@desnews.com