UCLA Football: 2018 game-by-game regular season predictions

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PASADENA, CA – OCTOBER 21: The UCLA Bruins head off the field before their game against the Oregon Ducks at Rose Bowl on October 21, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Go Joe Bruin has completed the early 2018 game previews for the UCLA football team and now looks at the predicted results of each to try and get a feel for the Bruins’ final record.

It is going to be an interesting season for the UCLA football team. Sure, they have one of the most proven college coaches in Chip Kelly, but they have one hell of a schedule in his inaugural season.

In the last several weeks, Go Joe Bruin has put out our early season previews to get you ready for 2018. We have dissected each one of UCLA’s upcoming opponents and tried to predict the outcome.

***For a quick link to each preview, click on the teams below.***

UCLA Football Early 2018 Schedule Previews

Cincinnati | Oklahoma | Fresno State | Colorado | Washington

With the previews and predictions all set, we now look at the predicted scores leading up to their final record. Let us dive in, shall we?

Week 1 vs Cincinnati

The Bruins get things started this season against the Cincinnati Bearcats. This game is not going to be easy, but it is not exactly the hardest on the schedule. Just looking at the rosters, UCLA has a considerably more talented squad and should win just on those merits. Fortunately, Bruins fans are going to be keeping a close eye on this game simply because of the Chip Kelly factor. Not only does UCLA have an offensive genius leading the program now, but this is the second coming of Kelly. How does the evolution turn out?

UCLA 45 – Cincinnati 13, W (1-0)

Week 2 at Oklahoma

Week 2 brings a quick jump into reality as the Bruins take on Oklahoma, one of the four College Football Playoff teams from last season. We can tell you this, if Kelly’s turnaround is quick and effective and the Bruins end up beating the Sooners (or at least coming close), more eyes will be turning towards Westwood. Unfortunately, we have to respect reality and understand that Oklahoma is on another level right now. With Kyler Murray taking over for Baker Mayfield, the Sooners’ offense is already a well-established force. UCLA, not so much, which is why the Bruins could have a big loss on their hands.

Oklahoma 45 – UCLA 14, L (1-1)

Week 3 vs Fresno State

The Bruins will lick their wounds and critique what worked and what did not work against Oklahoma. It is not exactly where the Bruins want to be, but they are here and they have to make the best of the situation. A return to the Rose Bowl will rejuvenate UCLA, but it will not be easy. Fresno State is having a bit of a revival with former Cal head coach Jeff Tedford turning the program around. Still, the Bruins outlast the Bulldogs and get their second win in the non-conference. The Pac-12 is next.

UCLA 21 – Fresno State 17, W (2-1)