The writers of Go Joe Bruin got together to give their takes on how they see UCLA Football team finishing the 2017 season. Strap in.
Aren’t you glad you have Go Joe Bruin to inform you about UCLA Football? Unfortunately, the drawback is that we never seem to completely agree on everything.
But that’s OK because we bring you different angles on the Bruins rather than sticking with one perspective.
So with that we once again give our extremely varied predictions on how UCLA will finish next season.
Related Story: UCLA needs to go 6-0 at the Rose Bowl in 2017
Reality Bites…
Nathan Eberhardt
Predicted record: 5-7
UCLA will have wins against Hawaii, Memphis, Arizona, ASU, and Cal. They will be 4th or 5th in Pac-12 South. Defense will excel, but offensive line, running game, and receivers will still struggle. QB Josh Rosen will work on improving draft stock but not have a stellar college season. Head Coach Jim Mora is retained, but the fan culture turns toxic as Chip Kelly is hired elsewhere (ASU? BC?).
Michael Hanna
Predicted record: 4-8
Huge talent drain on defense. Worse offensive line talent. Same tired pro-style scheme that fits square pegs into round holes. Harder schedule. Worse team + harder schedule = bad season.
The middle ground?
Michael Chavez
Predicted record: 7-5
I can make the argument for a surprise win. Defense gets the trial by fire treatment but proves they still have the talent and skill to hang with almost anyone. Darnay Holmes is the key to the secondary by giving us a nickel that is essentially a starting CB. Josh Woods and Kenny Young have monster years for the LB group. This D-line is bolstered by freshmen Greg Rogers and Jealan Phillips, but Jacob Tuioti-Mariner continues to develop as a well rounded DE who can kick inside.
Offensively new OC Jedd Fisch and OL coach Hank Fraley scheme some effectiveness out of this OL group. Rosen impresses the nation again and his WR group, while capable of explosive plays, actually is second fiddle to the TE’s especially Caleb Wilson who becomes the new Jake Butt for Fisch. The RB group needs to bounce back but is Soso Jamabo the answer? Probably not. Wouldn’t be surprised to see a young guy take the reins there.
Related Story: Las Vegas releases wins totals for 2017, UCLA in top half of Pac-12
David Goldman
Predicted record: 7-5
UCLA will be better than last season. The defense will be really good and Jaelen Phillips will burst onto the scene, but the offense will still struggle. Rosen will play better in 2017 but the offensive line and receiver struggles from last year will continue to come into play this season.
David Rosenthal
Predicted record: 7-5
A healthy Josh Rosen will be a big boost but can any of his receivers catch the ball? Someone will need to step up as the top running back or defenses will just sit back in a nickel D and make it difficult on Rosen. Bruins’ defense lose a lot of talent, especially in the secondary. Interesting to see if freshman Darnay Holmes can step in right away. Must get at least 4 wins at home.
Ashley Tellier
Predicted record: 7-5
UCLA beats the usuals, but the usuals beat UCLA. Despite Josh Rosen’s return, the offense will struggle with an uncoordinated line and a parade of drops. The defense will try, but it won’t have enough juice to carry the day. The rookies will put on a show. Still, this won’t be the year either, fellas.
We the optimists…
Keir Chapman
More from Go Joe Bruin
- UCLA Football: It’s time for the nation to meet Dante Moore
- UCLA Football: Where are they ranked heading into week 4
- UCLA Football: Position battle breakdown for Utah showdown
- UCLA vs. Utah: Location, time, prediction, and more
- UCLA Football: Highlights from Chip Kelly’s appearance on the Jim Rome Show
Predicted Record: 8-4
I’m going very optimistic with my UCLA prediction. Even after losing OT Conor McDermott, UCLA added Sunny Odogwu and Stephan Zabie, potentially making their offensive line stronger. They may take a little time to gel, especially with a new line coach, a factor I believe will cause them to struggle and ultimately lose to Texas A&M, even without Myles Garrett. It will be a good growing experience for them, especially with games against Hawaii, and Memphis that will help them gain confidence.
Where UCLA is most vulnerable is against the pass after losing Fabian Moreau, Marcus Rios, and Randall Goforth. I think they will struggle against Washington’s and USC’s passing attacks, accounting for two of their losses. Their other loss will come when they travel to Stanford. But, if Rosen is given the time to throw and Soso Jamabo can live up to his potential behind a new line, the Bruins should be able to steal wins at Colorado and Utah, and win their other games.
Pete Kang
Predicted record: 10-2
I expect Jaelan Phillips to be named a Freshman All-American by season’s end. Darnay Holmes will have 4 picks and the secondary will muster 10-12 interceptions in 2017. Top receivers will be Darren Andrews, Theo Howard and Jordan Lasley. 70, 55 And 40 receptions respectively for the year. Kolton Miller will be an All
Pac-12 Second Team honoree.
Jake Merrifield
Predicted record: 10-2
Hard travel and some annoyances aside, I think they are hitting their stride. UCLA bounces back into shape behind a motivated Mora and Rosen to challenge for the South.
Muna Osisioma
Predicted record: 9-3
This is the season that the offense finally puts it together. The offensive line will still be a work in progress but better playcalling will overcome that. Defense will have some growing pains with a lot of new faces but will get stronger as the season goes on. Theo Howard will be the breakout star.
Next: The 30 Greatest UCLA Football Players of All-Time
Mike Regalado
Predicted record: 8-4
UCLA will improve from last season, but they will not be great. The offense should be better, because anything is better than what happened last season, but USC and Utah will stand in their way in the South. Rosen puts up fantastic numbers in 2017, and the offense to greater success than 2016.