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Know Your Opponent: UCLA Football vs. Colorado 2018

By Mike Regalado

LINCOLN, NE - SEPTEMBER 08: Quarterback Steven Montez #12 of the Colorado Buffaloes takes a snap against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE - SEPTEMBER 08: Quarterback Steven Montez #12 of the Colorado Buffaloes takes a snap against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /
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BOULDER, CO – OCTOBER 28: Head coach Mike MacIntyre of the Colorado Buffaloes works on the sideline during a game between the Colorado Buffaloes and the California Golden Bears at Folsom Field on October 28, 2017 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
BOULDER, CO – OCTOBER 28: Head coach Mike MacIntyre of the Colorado Buffaloes works on the sideline during a game between the Colorado Buffaloes and the California Golden Bears at Folsom Field on October 28, 2017 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

Prediction

UCLA is an 11-point underdog, but considering how they have played this season (and against the spread), it seems like Colorado will have their way with them and take this contest by more than 11 points.

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Colorado is surprising a lot of people. Not only have they had a strong non-conference season and emerging from that 3-0, but they have nearly cracked the AP Top 25 (they are technically 26th when you count votes). Their journey to winning the division starts on Friday night.

As for the Bruins, they are in rebuilding mode and unfortunately, they are going to run into teams that are going to knock the pillars from their foundation. The Bruins’ defense has been decent, but they cannot play as they did against Fresno State. They have improved the run defense, but their secondary has to be on their toes when the Buffs pass the ball, especially when they target Shenault.

The UCLA offense has to figure something (everything?) out. The run game is sputtering along as Kelly tries to figure out who is the best choice to carry the ball. Whoever is put in at QB, whether it be Dorian Thompson-Robinson or Wilton Speight, has to get a handle on their accuracy. If the ground game is not moving, then the signal caller has to get the ball moving forward through the air.

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Unfortunately, UCLA still has a long way to go. It should get there, but not by Friday night. this one belongs to the Buffs.

Prediction: Colorado 28 – UCLA 14