Utah @ California preview

Last Meeting ( Dec 23, 2009 ) Utah 37, California 27

THE STORY: Jeff Tedford has never lost four consecutive games as California coach. Tedford looks to avoid achieving that dubious first when his squad hosts Utah. California is 0-3 in the Pac-12 for the first time in Tedford’s 10 seasons. Utah is in its first season in the Pac-12 and has started 0-3 in conference play for the first time since 2002 when it was part of the Mountain West Conference. The Utes have scored only 14 points in each of their three conference defeats.

TV: KJZZ (Salt Lake City), CS Bay Area (California). LINE: California -3

ABOUT CALIFORNIA (3-3, 0-3 Pac-12 North): The Golden Bears had their lowest-scoring game of the season last week when they lost 30-9 to Southern Cal. Standout wideout Keenan Allen is having a monster season and leads the nation with 138 receiving yards per game. Allen had a career-high 13 receptions against USC and has 52 catches for 828 yards. He had 160 yards against the Trojans and his season-high of 197 came in a September contest against Washington. Quarterback Zach Maynard has thrown for 1,585 yards and 11 touchdowns. Cal’s defense could be without linebacker Mychal Kendricks, who has a conference-leading 53 tackles. Kendricks reportedly injured his right shoulder against the Trojans. The Bears are third in the Pac-12 in total defense (355.5 yards per game).

ABOUT UTAH (3-3, 0-3 Pac-12 South): The Utes ended a three-game losing skid with an impressive 26-14 road victory over Pittsburgh last week. Running back John White had 171 yards to top 150 rushing yards for the third time this season. White’s season-best was 174 yards against Brigham Young. He has 671 yards and six touchdowns. Quarterback Jon Hays has completed 60 percent of his passes while filling in for Jordan Wynn, out for the season with a shoulder injury. Defensive end Derrick Shelby had a 21-yard interception return for score against Pitt. Linebacker Trevor Reilly has a team-best four sacks and a conference-leading four forced fumbles.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. Cal leads the series 4-3. Utah won the last meeting 37-27 in the 2009 Poinsettia Bowl.

2. Allen has topped 100 receiving yards in five of six games.

3. Utah held Pittsburgh star Ray Graham to 46 yards last week. Graham was averaging 148.9 yards entering the contest.

PREDICTION: Cal 20, Utah 17 - Both teams are desperate for a victory, but the Golden Bears stymie Utah’s attempt at a second straight road win.