SALT LAKE CITY — After a 1-5 start to the season, UCLA has parlayed a three-game win streak into Pac-12 South title contention. It’s also given the Bruins some swagger as they head into Saturday’s game at Utah. The Utes (8-1, 5-1) are seventh in this week’s College Football Playoff rankings.
The Los Angeles Times reported that UCLA wide receiver Ethan Fernea had some strong words prior to the pivotal Pac-12 South showdown. The winner of Saturday’s game will be in control of its destiny when it comes to going to the conference championship game.
“Utah’s known for being tough,” Fernea said. “But I think we’re ready to go out and show that we’re the tougher team.”
The Bruins visit Rice-Eccles Stadium on the heels of consecutive victories over Stanford (34-16), Arizona State (43-32) and Colorado (31-14).
Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said the Utes, who have won five straight games, will have their hands full and expects it to be a great matchup. Both teams have some momentum.
“They are starting to figure out who they are and are settling in,” Whittingham said. “They are a very confident team, at least it appears that way when you watch them play.”
Whittingham noted that sophomore quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson is the one that makes it all go for UCLA. He’s already passed for 1,837 yards and 17 touchdowns this season.
“He’s a dynamic player,” Whittingham said. “He’s excellent with his legs, especially when he makes big plays and extends the play.”
Senior running back Joshua Kelley is another key contributor. He leads the Pac-12 in rushing averaging 107.63 yards per game. The Bruins also have a strong receiving corps headlined by Demetric Felton (39 catches), Kyle Phillips (36), Jaylen Erwin (28) and Devin Asiasi (26).
UCLA’s defense is led by senior linebacker Krys Barnes and sophomore defensive back Stephan Blaylock. They have 60 and 59 tackles, respectively.
The Bruins have turned things around after a sluggish start that began with nonconference setbacks to Cincinnati (24-14), San Diego State (23-14) and Oklahoma (48-14). Then came the improbable 67-63 come-from-behind win at Washington State on Sept. 21. That was followed by Pac-12 losses to Arizona (20-17) and Oregon State (48-31).
Despite the rollercoaster campaign, UCLA coach Chip Kelly insists the approach and preparation has been a constant, same as it was during his successful stint at Oregon from 2009-12.
“Every game we play is the biggest game we play,” he told reporters. “And that’s the way we’ve always approached it.”
EXTRA POINTS: Former Utah and East High standout Jason Kaufusi is in his first season as UCLA’s outside linebackers coach. ... The Bruins are 5-3 against Utah in Salt Lake City. ... UCLA freshman defensive back Elisha Guidry is the younger brother of Utah nickel back Javelin Guidry.
Utes on the air
UCLA (4-5, 4-2) at No. 7 Utah (8-1, 5-1)
Rice-Eccles Stadium
Saturday, 6 p.m.
TV: FOX
Radio: ESPN 700AM