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UCLA Football vs BYU Cougars: Go Joe Bruin Predicts the Game

By Mike Regalado

Sep 19, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Josh Rosen (3) trails the play as running back Paul Perkins (24) breaks from BYU Cougars linebacker Sae Tautu (31) to score a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the game at the Rose Bowl. Ucla won 24-23.Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Josh Rosen (3) trails the play as running back Paul Perkins (24) breaks from BYU Cougars linebacker Sae Tautu (31) to score a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the game at the Rose Bowl. Ucla won 24-23.Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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The writers of Go Joe Bruin get together to once again make their predictions for the UCLA Football team, this time against the BYU Cougars.

The UCLA Football team is having a slower-than-expected start to their season, but can turn things around this Saturday as they face the BYU Cougars.

Related Story: Know Your Opponent: UCLA vs. BYU

Despite losing their season opener at Texas A&M and struggling last week versus UNLV at home, the Bruins are looking to tighten the screws and improve with a win over BYU.

Will the Bruins be able to win? Go Joe Bruin gives our picks for UCLA vs BYU:

Michael Chavez

UCLA 28 – BYU 21

The Bruins come ready to play and from what I’ve watched in both BYU games this year, Offensive Coordinator Ty Detmer has some of the same offensive philosophies as UCLA OC Kennedy Polamalu and that should help the Bruins as they deal with an offense predicated on moving down friend methodically instead of explosively. UCLA does surrender some yards on the ground but after establishing their own ground game and keeping the ball from the Cougars, they force BYU QB Taysom Hill to throw more leading to their demise.

Nathan Eberhardt

UCLA Bruins
UCLA Bruins /

UCLA Bruins

UCLA 27 – BYU 21

Hill and the run game come up big, but that’s the only thing that BYU can get going. With 2 safeties suspended, the Cougars lack the talent to slow down the Bruin offense.

Michael Hanna

BYU 24 – UCLA 20

UCLA’s run defense continues to be porous as BYU controls the game on the ground and does enough to limit UCLA’s offense to secure the Cougars the win in Provo.

Ashley Tellier

UCLA 28 – BYU 27

The Bruins look slightly improved, but not ready to dominate yet. With key injuries, a bruised UCLA team rallies from behind to secure a victory on the road.

Matt Wagner

BYU 24 – UCLA 17

UCLA must improve their run defense which has been gashed repeatedly, both in the opener and last week’s shaky win vs. a lowly UNLV. Taysom Hill could have a big day against the Bruins, and his mobility could be a problem.

Also, UCLA currently lacks a killer instinct to put games away, as they had multiple chances to effectively end the UNLV game in the 2nd and 3rd quarters and failed to do so. UCLA could be walking on dangerous ground against a better — but still beatable BYU team.

As of now, I can’t confidently give UCLA a victory, but I hope I am proven wrong on Saturday.

Related Story: Podcast: UNLV Review/BYU Interview

Mike Regalado

UCLA 24 – BYU 20

As optimistic as I’ve become with this UCLA Football team, I’ve also learned to become a realist. The thing that concerns me in this game is how BYU’s rushing game warfare against UCLA’s run defense.

The Cougars might be a bit much upfront for UCLA. BYU is running back Jamaal Williams and their dual threat quarterback Hill will be elusive against the Bruins. On the other hand, UCLA’s offense, will attack the air early as two safeties are suspended for the first half of the game. Though the Bruins give up yards and points in the 3rd quarter (again), the Bruins will have enough to out last the Cougars.

Next: Are the BYU Cougars Still A Dirty Team?

Go Bruins!