No. 12 Utah Utes returns to Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday night following its bye week, looking to improve to 5-0 under Morgan Scalley.

The Utes are coming off a 31-17 road win over Iowa State and will welcome a Kansas team that enters the matchup at 2-2.

Kansas has some legitimate talent on both sides of the ball, but this is a game Utah should win. Here are my three keys to victory.

I really believe the only way Utah loses this game is if it loses the turnover battle.

Utah is the better team on paper and has the advantage of playing at home. The last thing the Utes can afford to do is give Kansas extra possessions or short fields.

Kansas has turned the ball over seven times through four games. Utah needs to take advantage of those opportunities while continuing to protect the football on offense.

If the Utes win the turnover battle, I have a hard time seeing them lose this game.

Utah cannot afford to beat itself with unnecessary penalties.

Offensively, holding calls will kill drives and put the Utes behind the chains. Against a Kansas defensive front that has played well this season, staying ahead of schedule will be important.

Defensively, Utah needs to avoid penalties that extend drives or give Kansas better field position.

The Utes don’t need to play a perfect game, but they can’t make things easier for the Jayhawks with mistakes that are completely avoidable.

These are the two Kansas players I’m watching closest on Saturday.

Defensive end Leroy Harris III has been one of the highest-graded defensive linemen in the country this season. He currently holds a 93.5 overall PFF grade and has been particularly impressive against the run.

Utah’s offensive line has been outstanding this season, but Harris will be a legitimate test. Keeping him out of the backfield and limiting negative plays will be important.

On the other side, Kansas quarterback Isaiah Marshall might be the most athletic quarterback Utah has faced this season.

Marshall is dangerous when he gets outside the pocket and can make defenses pay with his legs. He rushed for 110 yards against Middle Tennessee last week.

Utah’s defensive front needs to stay disciplined and keep him contained. The Utes cannot allow Marshall to consistently get outside and beat them on the edge.

If Utah can keep both players from taking over stretches of the game, the Utes should be in a great position to come away with another win.

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