Go Joe Bruin Predicts The Game: UCLA Football Vs Utah

We are back Ladies and Gentlemen! That is right, Go Joe Bruin Predicts The Game! This time we have UCLA at Utah.

Brian Canup UCLA 31 – Utah 27

If this game were in the Rose Bowl I would predict this game a bit differently. But since we’re on the road I see UCLA pulling off the upset. The Bruin’s pass defense combined with Travis Wilson‘s throwing inconsistency will allow UCLA to keep the Utes relatively one dimensional. If Devontae Booker plays (which we now know he is not) he should have success running against the defense. But I have faith in Josh Rosen/Paul Perkin’s ability to take over the game on the offensive. Hopefully the weather doesn’t have too much on a negative impact and the play calling puts the players in a position for success. Go Bruins!

Nathan E.

UCLA 27 – Utah 24

Devontae Booker being out is a game-changer, literally. The Utes will still run the ball with some success against UCLA’s slowly healing defense, but his will force Utah to rely on Travis Wilson, which is always an iffy proposition. Couple that with UCLA’s propensity to bounce back from a loss and play big road games well under Jim Mora (Stanford, of course, excepted), I think the Bruins can pull this one out.

Nov 7, 2015; Corvallis, OR, USA; UCLA defensive lineman Kenny Clark (97) celebrates with teammates during the fourth quarter in a game against Oregon State at Reser Stadium. UCLA won 41-0. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

Michael Hanna

UCLA 24 – Utah 34

The gameplan going into Saturday is clear. On defense, load up to stop the run, don’t respect Utah’s ability to go over the top until it proves it can, and don’t abandon gaps against the zone read. On offense, put the ball in the hands of Josh Rosen and let him continue to work his magic.

UCLA Bruins

It’s strange to think that UCLA’s best offensive player this season has been the one thought to be a question mark coming into the season: Rosen, the true freshman QB. But despite that unexpected development, we still sit at 7-3 going into a season-defining game because UCLA is currently its own worst enemy, with the ongoing breakdowns in fundamentals; the complete erosions of UCLA’s punting and returning games; and the crushing weight of ever-present (here’s looking at your pathetic excuse for a refereeing crew, Larry “Goodell” Scott), back-breaking penalties. Going against a disciplined and well-drilled Utah team that overachieves and gives UCLA problems every season precisely because it is everything that UCLA currently is not, Utah’s absolutely overwhelming advantage in special teams is likely to win it the field position battle and those short fields will allow the Utes to open up their playbook and gash the Bruins for chunk running plays.

The only way I see for UCLA to win this is for the Bruins to jump out to an sizable early lead (14-17 points) and force Utah to pass to catch up. I don’t see the Bruins being able to do that because frankly, this team isn’t worthy of that kind of faith at this point. I think the Utes use their superior mentality, running game, and special teams to win this one by double digits.

Sep 26, 2015; Tucson, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Jim Mora during the third quarter against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. UCLA won 56-30. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

Jake Merrifield

UCLA 27 – Utah 20

Utah grinds out victories, but when you look at their wins, they had some fortune to go 7-0. They have big wins which you can make the case that statistically they are not as good as their record indicates. When they face good quarterbacks, they have a hard time handling them and Josh Rosen should do well against the Utes. With that being said, the Bruins will grind out a victory.

Matt Wagner

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UCLA 21 – Utah 17

Following a loss to an upstart Washington State, UCLA still needs to win out at Utah and at USC to win the Pac-12 South.

As far as Utah, the Utes’ loss of star RB Devontae Booker will be big for the Bruins, as they should be able to focus on Travis Wilson and Utah’s strong passing game.

Defensively, look for the Bruins’ D-line to have a good showing and UCLA overall needs to play with a huge sense of urgency.

As mentioned earlier, the Bruins NEED to win their next two to advance to the Pac-12 Championship Game, and although a win over a still-talented Utah team will be tough, the possibility is definitely there as long as UCLA plays up to their potential.

Nov 14, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Josh Rosen (3) scores on a 37-yard touchdown run with 1:09 to play against the Washington State Cougars in a NCAA football game at Rose Bowl. Washington State defeated UCLA 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Regalado

UCLA 36 – Utah 33

On the last episode of the What’s Bruin Show, I had predicted a 36-33 overtime victory by the Utes. That was before the news that Devontae Booker is out for this game. This is a big deal and because of that, I am flipping the score. Booker is only one player, but he has been a big factor all year for Utah.

Add in the fact that the Bruins still control their own destiny, plus they want to avenge their loss to Utah from last season, plus they want to bounce back from their loss to Washington State last week and you have a recipe for destruction.

Next: UCLA Football: What's The Point Of Being A Fan?

Twitter Predictions

UCLA and Utah kickoff their battle at 12:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast on FOX.