The University of Utah made a huge statement Saturday with a 38-0 shutout of UCLA in Los Angeles Saturday in the weekend's on PAC Rugby Conference game.

The Utes were strong up front and with Danny Christensen leading the offense from scrumhalf and with Tonata Lauti causing problems all day long, UCLA was summarily humbled by the result.

After complimenting UCLA as hosts, Utah program director Mark Drown praised his team's attention to defense.

"We've focused over the past two weeks on tackling, ball handling, and accuracy at the breakdown, and we saw good results today in all three areas," said Drown. "Our continuity was better today and several of our young players are making quick progress."

Lock Nyles Lapuaho played his first rugby game and put in a good performance in a pack that played well as a whole. Chad Gough was outstanding at hooker and por Spencer Vickery continued his goof run of form.

"I was happy that our defensive structures remained sound for the full 80 as we know how electric UCLA's backs can be," said Drown. "Our set piece was effective today, especially our work in the air at the lineouts. But we have quite a bit of detail work ahead of us."

The result puts Utah squarely in the conference championship conversation. Cal (losers 19-6 to UBC today) are still favored, but with such a comprehensive road victory, the Utes have to be considered.

Here are the latest standings: