First look: Utah at UCLA

Utah quarterback Troy Williams (3) passes the ball against Southern Utah in the first half during an NCAA college football game Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

Utah quarterback Troy Williams (3) passes the ball against Southern Utah in the first half during an NCAA college football game Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

UCLA Bruins (3-4, 1-3 Pac-12) vs. Utah Utes (6-1, 3-0 Pac-12)
Kickoff: 1 p.m. PT, Rose Bowl
TV: FOX
Radio: AM 570

Scouting report: Utah is currently tied with upstart Colorado for the lead in the Pac-12 South, however, the Utes are carrying a ton of injuries. Safety Marcus Williams and linebacker Sunia Tauteoli are the latest additions to the injury report after getting hurt last week against Oregon State. Utah has given up 18.3 points per game (second in the Pac-12) and 344.4 yards per game (fourth in the Pac-12). The team’s six rushing touchdowns allowed is tied for least in the conference.

The Utes have risen steadily in the Pac-12 since they joined the league and could finally take the division this year as both UCLA and USC, the preseason favorites, suffered slow starts. At the beginning of the year, this matchup looked like one that would have direct Pac-12 South title implications. Now with UCLA struggling, the Bruins need a victory to just stay in the race at all.

Series history: UCLA used an upset victory over Utah last season to save their Pac-12 South hopes, knocking off the Utes in Salt Lake City, 17-9. Josh Rosen threw for 220 yards and a touchdown. Despite controlling the clock, Utah failed to convert on long drives and did not get into the end zone all day. The Bruins lead the all-time series 11-3, but have just a 3-2 lead since the Utes joined the Pac-12.

Key players:

QB Troy Williams, Jr., 116/205, 1,546 yards, 7 TDs, 4 INTs
— The former Washington quarterback transferred to Santa Monica then to Utah before winning the starting job in spring camp.

RB Joe Williams, Sr., 56 carries, 266 yards, 1 TD
— Williams came out of retirement to buoy a short-handed Utah running game, making his return last week against Oregon State.

S Chase Hansen, R-So., 43 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, 1 sack, 1 INT
— A versatile athlete, Hansen has lined up at quarterback, linebacker and strong safety for the Utes during his career. He is tied for the team lead in tackles.