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UCLA Football: Can Jim Mora continue his success against Arizona?

By Andrew Goodman

PASADENA, CA - OCTOBER 01: Head coach Jim Mora of the UCLA Bruins looks on during the second half of a game against the Arizona Wildcats at the Rose Bowl on October 1, 2016 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - OCTOBER 01: Head coach Jim Mora of the UCLA Bruins looks on during the second half of a game against the Arizona Wildcats at the Rose Bowl on October 1, 2016 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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Unlike past UCLA Football head coaches, Jim Mora has found great success at home AND on the road versus the Arizona Wildcats.

The UCLA Football team is undefeated against Arizona in the Jim Mora era (5-0), including a 66-10 drubbing of the Wildcats at the Rose Bowl in 2012. Coming off of a much-needed bye week, the Bruins should be well rested for this Saturday’s tilt in Tucson against the Arizona Wildcats.

RELATED: 3 questions before the Bruins take on the Wildcats

This is a matchup that the UCLA Bruins (3-2, 1-1) must capitalize on. Although the Wildcats have a few playmakers, they are still relatively young and inexperienced. The Arizona defense gives up 26.2 points, 154.4 rushing yards, 256.6 passing yards, and, 411.0 total yards per contest. UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen and co. must be salivating over this opportunity against a struggling defense.

The Bruins, on the other hand, have had no trouble offensively. They pile up 41.4 points, 115.0 rushing yard, a remarkable 435.8 yards through the air, and 550.8 total. The Bruins stud quarterback has been truly amazing this season. He has done everything and more for UCLA and deserves a lot more credit.

The UCLA Football team is undefeated against Arizona in the Jim Mora era (5-0)

The other side of the ball is the problem for the Bruins, however. They are letting opponents score 39.2 points, rush for 284.2 yards, pass for 222.4 yards, and, opponents average 506.6 yards per game against the Bruins. It’s no secret, UCLA has mostly come up short this season because of their struggles on defense.

Arizona Wildcats quarterback, Khalil Tate,  presents a unique challenge for Tom Bradley’s defense. His ability to run the ball like a running back is paired with his terrific passing skills. Last weekend against the Colorado Buffs, Tate ran for a ridiculous 327 yards with 4 scores. Oh, let’s not forget that he also completed 12 of 13 passes for 154 yards and a touchdown. He is definitely the player to watch for on the Wildcats when he took the nation by storm with his breakthrough performance last week.

Arizona is a more of a run-heavy offense, and they will only pass the ball when they need to. Look for them to try and establish the run early against a Bruins defense that gives up 6.3 yards per rush.

Next: Know Your Opponent: UCLA Football vs. Arizona 2017

UCLA will have their hands full on defense this Saturday, but this is a very winnable game for the Bruins. With a lot on the line for UCLA, I expect Jim Mora to push that win streak to 6.