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Know Your Opponent: UCLA Football vs. Washington State

By Mike Regalado

October 8, 2016; Stanford, CA, USA; Washington State Cougars wide receiver River Cracraft (21) catches a touchdown pass against Stanford Cardinal safety Zach Hoffpauir (10) during the fourth quarter at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
October 8, 2016; Stanford, CA, USA; Washington State Cougars wide receiver River Cracraft (21) catches a touchdown pass against Stanford Cardinal safety Zach Hoffpauir (10) during the fourth quarter at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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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
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 /

Final Analysis

After what happened last season (and the last two games), UCLA should not underestimate the Cougars. They not only have a well controlled offense, but now their defense has caught up and it is wrecking havoc all over the Pac-12. And guess what? UCLA is next.

Related Story: PODCAST: Its Cougar Time for UCLA Football!

Wazzu is going to throw, throw and throw some more. But they will be going up against one of the best secondaries in the conference. Even though the Bruins will challenge the Cougars, they will only slow them down. Washington State have so many weapons and a variety of plays and routes that the Bruins will be tested the entire game.

As for the UCLA offense, well, their success depends on QB Josh Rosen benig able play… and how well he can play. The Cougars do not have a great pass defense but are chopping up lines with their run defense. Seeing as UCLA cannot run the ball, the Bruins are going to have to rely on the pass, but they also have to be aware of the pass rush.

Between both teams, it seems as if Wazzu has the upper hand and unfortunately, it will not end the way UCLA hopes.

Next: What if Josh Rosen Cannot Play?

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Prediction

Washington State 35 – UCLA 31