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UCLA Football: UCLA vs. Washington State Early Analysis

By Michael Chavez

Nov 27, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars head coach Mike Leach argues a call during the second quarter against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars head coach Mike Leach argues a call during the second quarter against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 14, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; Washington State Cougars wide receiver Dom Williams (80) is defended by UCLA Bruins defensive back Marcus Rios (9) and defensive back Randall Goforth (3) in the fourth quarter in a NCAA football game at Rose Bowl. Washington State defeated UCLA 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; Washington State Cougars wide receiver Dom Williams (80) is defended by UCLA Bruins defensive back Marcus Rios (9) and defensive back Randall Goforth (3) in the fourth quarter in a NCAA football game at Rose Bowl. Washington State defeated UCLA 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Final Analysis

Perhaps in years past UCLA fans would have circled this game as a win. In 2016 I don’t think there are more than 10 teams in the country that could have that type of confidence against this team. The Cougars have grown into a challenger in the North. After last season’s narrow defeat to the Cardinal and the slight decline of the Oregon Ducks, it wouldn’t be the wildest bet to have them possibly capture the North with a few lucky breaks.

Luke Falk will have another season under his belt and should know this offense like the back of his hand. He returns his top two targets and could be more driven by this possibly being his final year in college.

On the flipside, the Bruins didn’t finish the year the way they wanted to last season and last year’s loss to the Cougars was a big part of that. Look for them to play with a revitalized energy and effort against a team they should have beat and should be able to beat this year. With a superior defense and their own exceptional quarterback the Bruins can’t be counted out of any game and in fact have received plenty of votes to win the South outright.

Next: UCLA Women's Soccer 2016 Season Preview

Prediction

The Bruins will have to make this trip up North but are the more talented team on paper and on the field. The defense will be tested but they have the athletes and the scheme to slow down this offense and have their own explosive offense to light up the scoreboard. The running backs do plenty of work but Rosen steals the glory with four short touchdown passes. UCLA wins 42-30.