This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
One more home game, one more chance at a quality win. The No. 20 Utes are still on the outside looking in on the Pac-12 South race, but a win over No. 15 Arizona would be a big step in the right direction. Coming off a thrilling double overtime win over Stanford, Utah has momentum going into the last two weeks of the season and is already on pace for its best season since joining the conference. Arizona, however, will be a stiff test. Behind the meteoric rise of freshman quarterback Anu Solomon, the Wildcats are 8-2 and are coming off their own last second victory over Washington last week. Can the Utes defense frustrate and shut down Solomon? Or will the Wildcats spoil Utah's final home game and division hopes? Here's a position-by-position look at this week's matchup and which team will have the edge heading into Saturday's game:
Quarterback
After struggling through quarterback changes and slumping statistics, Travis Wilson has found his footing for the Utes in the last two weeks. Wilson has thrown for multiple touchdowns for the first time since throwing five against Fresno State in September. After outpacing Heisman hopeful Marcus Mariota in yardage, Wilson was efficient and confident, completing 75 percent of his passes for 177 yards and two touchdowns along with a rushing touchdown. He'll have his hands full keeping up with Solomon in a shoot out, but if the Utah defense holds and Wilson can make plays when he has to, Utah should win this one.
Solomon seized the reigns for the Wildcats in fall camp and hasn't looked back since. The redshirt freshman has run Rich Rodriguez's offense masterfully, tossing 25 touchdowns to only seven interceptions along with 3,058 yards through the air so far this season. He's thrown multiple touchdowns in five games this season, including five against both Washington State and California. However, as defenses have adjusted to him, Solomon has struggled in recent games. He completed only 38 percent of his passes against UCLA in a 17-7 loss and was held to zero touchdowns and two interceptions against Washington last week. The potential is there for the Utes to frustrate him, but he still has the overall edge in this spot.
Edge: Arizona
Running Back
After looking superhuman for the middle stretch of the season, Devontae Booker has suddenly slowed down. Against Stanford, Booker was limited to lowest rushing total of the season since the Michigan game, churning out only 58 yards on 17 carries after a 65 yard performance against Oregon the previous week. He's added 151 yards in the passing game the last two weeks, but the dropping rushing totals are a concern.
Arizona also relies on a freshman to lead its rushing attack. Nick Wilson has been dominant for Arizona, rushing for 867 yards and nine touchdowns this season, good for fourth best in the Pac-12. The freshman has rushed for at least 100 yards in five games this season and has amassed 257 yards and two touchdowns in the last two weeks alone against Colorado and Washington. With Booker's recent struggles and Wilson's ascension, this spot is a wash.
Edge: Even
Wide Receiver
When the Utes needed someone to step up after a laundry list of injuries, Kenneth Scott emerged. After struggling through weeks of drops and inconsistency, Scott grabbed four balls for 71 yards and the game-winning touchdown against Stanford. Kaelin Clay added 31 yards and a touchdown of his own, while tight end Westlee Tonga had 35 yards on three catches. The Utes have shown the ability to win consistently without a star wideout, but they'll need someone to provide a healthy contribution to win this game.
The Wildcats, on the opposite end of the spectrum, have an embarrassment of riches at the wide receiver spot. Leading the way is sophomore Cayleb Jones, who's caught 58 passes for 788 yards and eight touchdowns this season. He's a big, quick target that is primed for a big game after low key performances against UCLA, Colorado and Washington. Going down the line, Arizona features Austin Hill, Samajie Grant and four others who have caught at least 20 passes. The Wildcats have a clear advantage here.
Edge: Arizona
Offensive Line
The Utes surrendered five sacks against Stanford, one of the unit's worst performances this season. Stanford's defensive front is one of the best in the Pac-12, but Utah will have to do better this week. After dropping off in run blocking success the last few weeks, the Utes have to stop the slide starting with a Wildcats defense that's fifth in the conference this year with 28 sacks.
Against a tough Washington defense, the Wildcats kept Solomon upright and allowed him to be sacked only twice. Overall, Arizona has been one of the best unit's in the Pac-12 in pass protection, currently second in the conference with only 22 sacks given up. The Utes are probably the best overall pass rushing unit Arizona has faced this season, but the Wildcats still get the edge here.
Edge: Arizona
Defensive Line and Linebackers
Another week, another dominant performance for Nate Orchard. Orchard was a one man wrecking crew against Stanford, wreaking havoc for 3.5 sacks, 3.5 tackles for loss and 10 tackles. Orchard is somehow still underrated nationally, but his impact every Saturday doesn't go unnoticed. Hunter Dimick again stood out against the Cardinal with seven tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss. Overall, the Utes are up for a tough fight against a talented Arizona offensive front, but should be able to weather the loss of Gionni Paul and have another successful week.
For the Wildcats, the team's defensive success begins and ends with linebacker Scooby Wright. Wright has been dominant all season, racking up 117 tackles, 21 tackles for loss and 12 sacks. Overall, the Wildcats are fifth in the Pac-12 with 28 total sack, but struggle overall defensively. Arizona is eighth in the conference, allowing 445 yards of total offense per game.
Edge: Utah
Secondary
The Utes had a cupcake matchup against struggling Stanford passer Kevin Hogan and feasted accordingly, holding him to only 104 passing yards and one passing touchdown in regulation time, with another touchdown coming in overtime. Utah is fourth overall in Pac-12 pass defense, giving up 240 yards through the air per game. However, the presence of multiple playmakers could be a big issue for the Utes, who will have to limit the run game while containing Jones, Hill, Grant and others in the passing game.
The Wildcats are in the bottom third of the Pac-12 in pass defense, ranking ninth with 286 yards surrendered per game. Guys to watch for the Wildcats are safety Jared Tevis and corner Jonathan McKnight. Tevis is rangy and plays well in the box, racking up 94 tackles, eight tackles for loss and three sacks this season. McKnight has 11 passes defensed for the Wildcats and will shadow the Utes best receiver Saturday, whether it's Scott or Clay.
Edge: Even
Prediction: The Wildcats are a dangerous team offensively and can beat opponents running or throwing the ball, while Scooby Wright is a force on the defensive side. The Utes have started to come alive in the passing game and will be rigid again defensively, while despite recent struggles, Booker always has a chance to make a big impact. The deciding factor in this game will be how Solomon has struggled generating scoring chances against better conference defenses this season like UCLA, USC and Washington. The Utes should be able to fluster him and make enough plays offensively against an average Arizona secondary. Utah wins this one 30-24.
Twitter: @BrennanJSmith