Utah @ Arizona preview

THE STORY: Two teams that have been disappointments in the Pac-12 face off when Arizona hosts conference newcomer Utah. The Utes notched their first conference victory since joining the league when they defeated Oregon State last week. Utah was predicted to be one of the better teams in the Pac-12 South prior to the season. Arizona has underperformed so badly that coach Mike Stoops was fired after the squad’s fifth consecutive loss. The Wildcats are 1-1 under interim coach Tim Kish after losing to Washington last week.

TV: KJZZ (Salt Lake City), FSN. LINE: Arizona -3.5.

ABOUT ARIZONA (2-6, 1-5 Pac-12 South): Senior quarterback Nick Foles has been the bright spot with 2,934 yards and 20 touchdowns. Foles has a 70 percent completion rate while being intercepted eight times, and has thrown for 378 or more yards six times. Senior receiver Juron Criner has 29 career touchdowns, one shy of the school record held by Theopolis Bell (1972-75). Sophomore cornerback Shaquille Richardson (team-leading three interceptions) is questionable with an ankle injury. Richardson missed the Washington contest because of a suspension after being ejected for fighting against UCLA on Oct. 20. Arizona has allowed 37 or more points six times.

ABOUT UTAH (4-4, 1-4): With quarterback Jordan Wynn (shoulder) out for the year, the Utes have become reliant on junior running back John White, who rushed for 205 yards on 35 carries against Oregon State. The 200-yard outing was the first by a Utah back since Marty Johnson ran for 229 against Indiana in 2002. White has rushed for 915 yards. Junior quarterback Jon Hays threw only 14 passes against Oregon State and has thrown more interceptions (seven) than touchdowns (five). The Utes lead the Pac-12 in total defense (325.6) and have held five opponents to less than 100 rushing yards. Sophomore linebacker Trevor Reilly has a team-best five sacks and senior defensive end Derrick Shelby has four. Senior defensive end Tevita Finau had the first three sacks of his career against Oregon State.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. Utah leads the series 19-15-2. The teams last met in 2005 when the Utes prevailed 27-24.

2. The Utes are 4-0 when White rushes for 100 yards.

3. Arizona has completed more passes (265) than Utah has attempted (224) this season.

PREDICTION: Arizona 27, Utah 16 - Foles and Criner are a bit finer than what Utah can offer in the passing game.