Arizona Football (3-2, 1-1) continues Pac-12 play against divisional foe, the UCLA Bruins (3-2, 1-1) this Saturday in Tucson.
Last week, the Arizona Football team ran wild in Boulder, largely thanks to sophomore quarterback, Khalil Tate. This week however, presents a new challenge for the Wildcats, as UCLA is far more talented, despite their inconsistencies.
Entering his sixth season at UCLA, head coach Jim Mora has the Bruins playing some great offense, and for good reason, as the talented Josh Rosen leads that squad.
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However, similar to Arizona, things are not so wonderful for the Bruins as fans grow restless over the teams’ underperformance. Adversely, the Bruins are able to attract some of the Nations top talent, unlike Arizona.
Under head coach Rich Rodriguez, the Wildcats have yet to beat the Bruins, but hope to do so, with a UCLA team reeling this season. Injuries have ravished this team, but make no mistake, UCLA still has the talent to compete and beat Arizona this Saturday, and are likely to be favored in this one.
Tate will likely get the start under center for Arizona, but the teams’ success is not only dependent on his ability to run, but also making smart decisions with the football, and ultimately eliminating the mistakes (i.e.- turnovers).
If he can do that, we have to like Arizona’s chances in finally getting that elusive victory against the Bruins.
Know Thy Foe
Team: UCLA Bruins (3-2, 1-1); coming off bye week, beat Colorado 27-23 the week before
Conference: Pac-12
2016 Record: 4-8 (2-7); lost to California 36-10 in final game of the season.
Last Meeting vs Arizona: Beat Arizona 45-24 in Pasadena, CA
Head Coach: Jim L. Mora 44-26 overall; 6th season with UCLA
Key Returners/ Starters: QB Josh Rosen, RB Soso Jamabo, WRs Darren Andrews, Jordan Lasley and Theo Howard. Defensively, the Bruins have struggled this year, in large part due to injury, however, this is who the Wildcats should watch out for; DBs Jaleel Wadood, Adarius Pickett, LBs Josh Woods and Kenny Young, DLs Jacob Tuioti-Mariner and Jaelen Phillips (if healthy), and true freshman, Darnay Holmes.
Key Injuries: TE Caleb Wilson, RB Nate Starks
Game Information:
When: Saturday, October 14th, 2017
Time: 6 PM MST
Where: Arizona Stadium (Tucson, AZ)
Spread: -2.0 UCLA
Overall Series Record: 24-15-2 UCLA. The Bruins have won the last five showdowns between these two schools, and Bruins won the match-up last year in Pasadena, by a 45-24 final.
Our Prediction: UCLA 38 Arizona 27. Despite the various injuries for the Bruins, and the team playing rather inconsistently, this is a match-up that doesn’t bode well for Arizona. The Wildcats don’t quite have the athletes UCLA does, and Mora still has the Wildcats’ number since joining the Pac-12. Arizona will have some decent success, but Rosen is far too good, and he has a bit too much success versus the Wildcats’ secondary.
Listen to Rodriguez as he talks about their preparation versus UCLA, and his record-breaking QB, Tate:
Must Read: More on Arizona Football
At Zona Zealots, we’re ready for Family Weekend versus UCLA. Hopefully, the Wildcats can pull off the upset, after all anything is possible in College Football. Bear Down, Arizona!