At the end of September, a matchup between UCLA and No. 23 Utah probably did not seem like it would carry Pac-12 Conference championship implications.

The South division teams concluded the first month of the season a combined 0-3 in conference play, with Utah dropping games to Washington and Washington State, and UCLA extending the program's worst start in 75 years into October.

On Friday night at the Rose Bowl, however, the winner leaves still tied for first place in the loss column in the South. One or the other will also continue on course for a unique first.