Foster Farms Bowl, UCLA vs. Nebraska: A Statistical Preview

Here is a look at the regular season numbers for UCLA vs. Nebraska who will meet in the Foster Farms Bowl this Saturday at 6:30 p.m. PT at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA.

It is almost here, Ladies and Gentlemen! UCLA vs. Nebraska in the Foster Farms Bowl! The Bruins and Cornhuskers will being playing their last game of 2015 as they once again meet, though this time in the post-season.

UCLA (8-4) is looking to close out the year with their fourth straight season obtaining nine wins, while Nebraska (5-7) is looking to hit six wins in Head Coach Mike Riley‘s first season.

The Bruins and Huskers are actually quite familiar with each other as they played a home-and-home series in 2012 and 2013, with UCLA winning both games, so this will be interesting to see how they match-up being two-years removed from their last contest.

Here is a statistical look at these two teams. Actual statistics are accompanied by the team’s national rank in parentheses.

[table id=129 /]

Now looking at the numbers, several things jump out, specifically the similarities. UCLA and Nebraska are identical or nearly identical in scoring offense, total offense, passing offense, total defense, 3rd down conversions, 4th down conversions, penalties per game, red zone offense and red zone defense.

MORE: An Ode To Nebraska

This could mean that we will probably see one of the most evenly matched bowl games this season, but at the same time, they are just numbers.

More from Go Joe Bruin

Looking at a few other key categories, we can see how parts of this game could favor either team.

Though the Bruins have a good running game, they are going to challenged by the Husker front which is 8th in the nation in rushing defense, allowing only 113.4 yards per game. The flip side of that is Nebraska is horrible defending the pass.

Nebraska gives up 288.2 ypg (121 in the nation), which means that Bruin QB Josh Rosen could be slinging the ball around a little bit more.

The same could be said for both teams on the opposite side of the ball. Though Nebraska is not fantastic on the ground, they will get a chance to prove themselves against the UCLA front seven which is 88th in the nation in rushing defense, giving up 187.8 ypg.

Next: Top 10 All-Time UCLA Quarterbacks

In the passing game, Nebraska has similar stats to UCLA, but the Bruins are better with their pass defense. Though will are going to see both teams attempt to balance out their offense, expect some more runs coming from the Huskers.

Stay with Go Joe Bruin as we continue to bring to bring you previews, predictions and analysis leading up to the Foster Farms Bowl.