Utah @ California preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 10, 2015 ) California 24, Utah 30

Utah’s impressive defense faces another stiff test Saturday as the 18th-ranked Utes visit California, which ranks third in the nation in total offense at 594.5 yards per game. The Utes improved to 4-0 for the second straight season with last Saturday’s 31-27 comeback victory over USC, while Cal yielded 41 points in the second half of a 51-41 loss at Arizona State.

Utah is second in the Pac-12 in total defense but could be without star defensive tackle Lowell Lotulelei on Saturday after the junior left last week's game with an injury. Lotulelei’s return would give the Utes a critical boost against a Cal offense that averages more than 45 points and boasts one of the nation’s top passers in Davis Webb, who leads the country in passing yards (1,387) and passing touchdowns (18). The Utes have won four of the last five meetings with the Golden Bears and intercepted Jared Goff five times in last season’s 30-24 victory in Salt Lake City. Troy Williams threw for three touchdowns in the victory over USC and has the firepower to keep pace with Webb, who has accounted for 20 TDs while throwing four interceptions.

TV: 6 p.m. ET, Pac-12 Network. LINE: Cal -2

ABOUT UTAH (4-0, 1-0 Pac-12): Cornerback and team captain Dominique Hatfield, who had two interceptions in last year’s win over Cal, missed this season’s first three games with a knee injury but recorded five tackles last week and faces a key matchup against Cal’s top receiver on Saturday. While the Utes’ defense was expected to be among the team’s strengths, the offense has been a pleasant surprise thanks to players such as Tim Patrick, who is coming off back-to-back 100-yard receiving games. True freshman Zack Moss is averaging 92.5 rushing yards since becoming the starter two games ago, and the Utes’ offensive line didn't allow a sack last week against the Trojans.

ABOUT CAL (2-2, 0-1): The Golden Bears have scored at least 40 points in each of their games but rank among the worst in the country in several defensive categories despite the play of end Cameron Saffle, who notched eight tackles and two sacks against Arizona State. While the defense remains a concern, the offense continues to put up points behind Webb and wide receiver Chad Hansen, who has six touchdowns and leads the nation with an average of 12.5 catches per game. As good as the offense has been, the Golden Bears still need more production from their running game along with wide receivers Demetris Robertson and Melquise Stovall.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Utah coach Kyle Whittingham is one away from his 100th career victory.

2. The Golden Bears have won six of their last seven home games.

3. Utes P Mitch Wishnowsky leads the nation with a 52.1-yard average.

PREDICTION: Utah 41, Cal 38