Cal Football: Utah's Offense Poses a Threat to Bears' Defensive Streak

Bears, and most everyone else, expect Utes QB Tyler Hunley to play Saturday

Cal has held 14 straight opponents under 25 points, but the Bears will have a challenge extending that streak when they face No. 12 Utah in Salt Lake City Saturday night.

Most of the attention the Utes (6-1, 3-1 Pac-12) receive is for their defense, which ranks fourth in the country in total defense and sixth in scoring defense. Utah has allowed just 10 points in the last two games combined.

But you may not realize the Utes have the Pac-12’s leading rusher in Zack Moss (102.2 yards per game) as well as the conference leader in passer rating in Tyler Huntley, who ranks seventh in the country in that statistic.

“Really efficient offense, which is what you’d expect with a senior quarterback,” Cal defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter said of Huntley. “Very, very athletic, making good decisions. He’s a duel threat, which really concerns you.”

DeRuyter, like virtually everyone else, is assuming Huntley will play against Cal. He left last week’s win over Arizona State with a leg injury, and coach Kyle Whittingham did not comment on his status when he addressed the media on Monday.

Huntley said Monday evening that he will play against Cal, which is a pretty good indication he will play, although it is no guarantee.

The Utes have scored 30 points or more in five of their seven games this season, including 52 points against Oregon State, which beat Cal 21-17 this past weekend.

Although Devon Modster has not been officially ruled out for the Utah game, it appears freshman Spencer Brasch is likely to make his first college start on Saturday night.

Temperatures are expected to drop to about 31 degrees in Salt Lake City Saturday night with a chance of snow late in the evening.