After getting off to a hot 3-0 start the UCLA Bruins will start getting into their conference schedule. This means there will be no more easy games and plenty of times to show off for the national crowd. These three games will be very tough, but if the Bruins can get through this early little stretch of tough games the chance for a Pac-12 title is very realistic. This weeks games will be at Arizona St., home against Utah, and home against those tough Ducks from Oregon.
UCLA Schedule Analysis – Weeks 4-6
Thursday September 25: At Arizona St. 7:00 p.m. P.T. kickoff (FOX Sports 1)
Arizona St. has a stud QB-WR combo with QB Taylor Kelley and WR Jaelen Strong. This might be the best duo in the Pac-12 and will make problems for everyone in the conference. They may have returned those two players, along with RB DJ Foster, but the Sun Devils basically lost everyone else, especially on the defensive side of the ball. The Sun Devils were one of the better defenses in the conference last year and losing all those players will really hurt ASU.
Prediction: With almost two weeks to prepare for the Sun Devils and with all of the defensive starters ASU lost I expect UCLA to win narrowly. These two teams have had three straight close games and this will be no different with a Bruin win.
Record: 4-0 (1-0 Pac-12)
Saturday October 4: Vs. Utah (time and broadcast TBD)
Utah is another team that always plays UCLA close. If it wasn’t for 6 interceptions and health issues for QB Travis Wilson Utah may have won the game last season. The Utes are a very physical team, but do not have much speed or athleticism. Most of Utahs success will ride on the health of Wilson, but even with a healthy Wilson I don’t see the Utes competing with the Bruins.
Prediction: Utah is a completely different team on the road than they are at home and I just don’t see them being able to keep up with UCLA in this one. Expect a 2+ touchdown win.
Record: 5-0 (2-0 Pac-12)
Saturday October 11: Vs. Oregon (time and broadcast TBD)
This is the game that everyone was circling when the schedule came out. The Bruins got destroyed last season at Oregon and will be looking for revenge. I anticipate this to be the ABC Saturday Night Primetime game and all eyes will be on the two QBs. Marcus Mariota and Brett Hundley. This game very well may decide which of the two will be in New York for the Heisman presentation. As long as the UCLA defense can contain Mariota and the high-powered Ducks offense I see them winning this game, which is easier said then done.
Prediction: I don’t really see anything that separates these two teams. This will probably be a preview of the Pac-12 championship and whoever has the ball last will win this game. I give the slight edge to UCLA at home, but would not be surprised if Oregon wins. My prediction is UCLA by a field goal.
Record: 6-0 (3-0 Pac-12)
After six games the Bruins will still be sitting in the drivers seat in the Pac-12. At 6-0 overall, and 3-0 in the Pac-12 and the Bruins control their own destiny to the conference championship game. Depending on what FSU QB Jameis Winston does Brett Hundley will either be the favorite or in 2nd place for the Heisman. All will be well in Los Angeles as a showdown with Cal looms the week after Oregon.
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