Go Joe Bruin continues our early 2018 previews with a look at UCLA football’s Pac-12 opener on the road against the Colorado Buffaloes.
After starting the season at 2-1, the UCLA football team begins Pac-12 play with a trip to Boulder under Friday night lights. Under Chip Kelly, UCLA will own the conference sooner rather than later but year one will bring some struggles as the team adjusts to their new coach. I preview the matchup with Colorado, tell you what to expect from the Buffaloes and make a very early prediction on how the game will go.
Related: UCLA Football Early 2018 Schedule Preview- Cincinnati / Oklahoma / Fresno State
Colorado Buffaloes
Head Coach: Mike MacIntyre
2017 Record: 5-7
2017-18 Bowl Game: None
Related Story: UCLA Football: Ranking 2018 from easiest to toughest game
What: UCLA Bruins vs. Colorado Buffaloes
Where: Folsom Field, Boulder, CO
When: Friday, September 28
Two years ago, Colorado won ten games, went 8-1 in conference and clinched the Pac-12 South Division. MacIntyre was rewarded with multiple national coach of the year awards and appeared to have turned things around. Then things went south (sorry). The coach was lucky to retain his job after failing to report an allegation of domestic abuse leveled against one of his assistant coaches. On the field, things were just as bleak as the team sputtered and followed up a first place season with a last place one.
Colorado’s Five-Year Win Trend
- 2017 – ★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ 5-7
- 2016 – ★★★★★★★★★★☆☆☆☆ 10-4
- 2015 – ★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ 4-9
- 2014- ★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ 2-10
- 2013 – ★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ 4-8
The Buffaloes and their fans hope that 2018 will be better. Colorado will be led by star QB Steven Montez who had a good 2017 and has 15 starts under his belt. He will be a handful for UCLA’s defense.