California Special Teams
Cal is looking for new blood to take over kicking responsibilities. Kicker Matt Anderson has graduated and punter Dylan Klumph has transferred, so the Bears will probably need some time to get special teams in order. If Cal continues with their returners, expect WR Wharton to field punts and S Davis to get the majority of kickoffs.
Final Analysis
In the last nine trips to Berkeley, UCLA has only won once. There is something about Memorial Stadium that negatively affects the Bruins, but will that be the case this year?
This will be taking place mid-season, so what will we see from UCLA? Chances are, Kelly will still be feeling out his offense and experimenting with different schemes and players. They could stumble or they could rout Cal. If I had to make a prediction right now, I would say that it is a tightly fought game.
Wilcox is not messing around and Cal’s progress should continue to grow in 2018, but do they have the coaching and talent to slow down the uptempo Bruins?
Next: UCLA Football: 10 bold predictions for the 2018 season
Prediction
UCLA 38 – California 35