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Know Your Opponent: UCLA Football vs. California 2018

By Mike Regalado

BERKELEY, CA - SEPTEMBER 15: Head coach Justin Wilcox of the California Golden Bears walks the sidelines during their game against the Idaho State Bengals at California Memorial Stadium on September 15, 2018 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
BERKELEY, CA - SEPTEMBER 15: Head coach Justin Wilcox of the California Golden Bears walks the sidelines during their game against the Idaho State Bengals at California Memorial Stadium on September 15, 2018 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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BERKELEY, CA – SEPTEMBER 29: Brandon McIlwain #5 of the California Golden Bears celebrates with Kanawai Noa #9 after he ran in for a touchdown against the Oregon Ducks at California Memorial Stadium on September 29, 2018, in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
BERKELEY, CA – SEPTEMBER 29: Brandon McIlwain #5 of the California Golden Bears celebrates with Kanawai Noa #9 after he ran in for a touchdown against the Oregon Ducks at California Memorial Stadium on September 29, 2018, in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Prediction

UCLA showed progress last week against the #10 team in the nation. The offense took a huge step forward and Bruins fans are expecting big things going forward. But we have to be cautious because even though they are progressing, there will be more bumps in the road.

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What UCLA has to make sure is that they do not give up the ball. The Bruins do not want to give Cal any chances to make plays, especially when their offense is not doing great. UCLA also has to make sure they take care of field position. If they cannot consistently put together long drives, they need to pin the ball as far back as they can and make Cal earn that march downfield.

The running game is going to be especially important. Cal will suffocate UCLA when they can, so the Bruins have to make sure they get the ball away from the defense and into open space.

On defense, UCLA has to get in the face of McIlwain (or whatever QB is playing). They have to make sure he is uncomfortable when trying to pass or run. If he tries to throw to the middle of the field, UCLA has to get to the ball or they will give up unnecessary yards.

With Cal making a lot of mistakes, UCLA has to try and continue that trend. Getting a turnover has often been beneficial for UCLA and given them short bursts of energy and momentum and has often ended up with points on the board.

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If Kelly has anything new up his sleeve, this would be the game to use it. He has to keep Cal guessing and if he does, he will get that all-important first win.

Prediction: UCLA 24 – California 20