Blaze vs. SaberCats - Game Preview
June 26, 2013 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Utah Blaze News Release
SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Blaze (5-8) return to Salt Lake City in Week 15 looking to knock off the division-rival San Jose SaberCats (9-4). The matchup marks the second meeting between the teams during the 2013 season. Kickoff from EnergySolutions Arena is scheduled for 7:00pm MT this Saturday, June 29.
Tickets to the game are available for purchase by calling 1-888-99BLAZE or online at UTBlaze.com. Fans can also catch the game live on KJZZ-TV featuring Steve Brown and Aaron Boone in the booth and Alema Harrington reporting from the sidelines. The matchup can be heard on 97.5 FM The Zone with Scott Garrard and Riley Jensen calling the action.
Week 14 featured two West Division matchups as the Blaze battled the Spokane Shock and the SaberCats took on the Arizona Rattlers. Following three consecutive victories dating back to 2012, Utah finally fell to Spokane in an 80-41 decision. Meanwhile, San Jose handed Arizona its second loss of the season in a 72-42 victory.
San Jose defeated Utah by a one-point margin during a Week 10 meeting, but the Blaze defense held the SaberCats to a season-low 35 points. Despite an uncharacteristic performance last week, Utah retains its No. 2 ranking in passing defense (239.8 ypg) while placing third in total defense (262.8 ypg).The Blaze have been especially effective on fourth down, allowing opponents to convert just 27.3 percent of attempts.
With quarterback Russ Michna leading the way, the SaberCats have produced the AFL's four-ranked passing offense. Michna has brought efficiency to San Jose's offense and threw for 313 yards and nine touchdowns last week against Arizona. In their previous matchup, Utah managed to hold Micha to just 246 yards and four scores while forcing two interceptions.
Quarterback Jason Boltus is likely to make the third start of his career this week after passing for a career-high 362 yards and six touchdowns. The favorite target for Boltus has been rookie wide receiver Mario Urrutia. Over the past two games, the duo has hooked up 18 times for 200 yards and six scores. Urrutia has been sensational in his inaugural campaign and currently leads all rookie wideouts in every receiving category.
San Jose ranks second in total defense (257.5 ypg) and fourth in passing defense (246.0 ypg). In the secondary, the SaberCats employ AFL Hall of Famer Clevan Thomas, who currently leads the Arena Football League with nine interceptions. Thomas is joined by Ken Fontenette and J.C. Neal, who pace the team with 70.5 and 68.5 tackles, respectively.
The SaberCats defense revolves its ability to pressure the passer. The unit has delivered 27 sacks on the season, ranking second in the AFL. Their strength lies in the interior combination of Mac linebacker Francis Maka and nose guard Jason Stewart, who have combined to produce 14 sacks in 2013.
The Utah Blaze versus San Jose SaberCats is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. MT this Saturday, June 29 at EnergySolutions Arena. Tickets to the game are available for purchase by calling 1-888-99BLAZE or online at UTBlaze.com.
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- Blaze vs. SaberCats - Game Preview - Utah Blaze
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