UCLA Football vs. Cal 2018: Go Joe Bruin predicts the game!

UCLA football is about to embark on their next contest which means that Go Joe Bruin is back to predict the game. This time the Bruins head north to face the Cal Golden Bears.

The UCLA football team is 0-5, but there is a small chance that they can be 1-5 after this weekend. The writers of Go Joe Bruin take a look at the Bruins’ contest with Cal, a team that is also having a spot of trouble.

Though UCLA has had trouble getting a win up in Berkeley, their progress from last week could help them get that all important first win. Here is what GJB thinks about this Battle n the Bay…

Mike Crawford

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Another close game, but another loss. Bruins continue their frustrating trend of starting strong in the first half but take their foot off the gas after intermission. The Bears roll past Bruins in the second half and put it away. Cal 28 – UCLA 21.

Michael Chavez

The Bruins are carrying in some momentum and have had a game under the belt of the players who were suspended to start the season. Kelly is familiar with beating Cal but this isn’t the Golden Bears of his Oregon days. Cal QB Ross Bowers is a threat to keep it as well as pass it but expect Dorian Thompson-Robinson, not Bowers to lead his team’s offense to victory. Defensively the Bruins get big performances again from Barnes and Pickett but Keisean Lucier-South doesn’t let them have all the fun. He and Phillips combine for plenty of pressure. Meadors has a big bounce-back game as well. UCLA 27 – Cal 17

Nathan Eberhardt

Cal’s defense is good, but not as good as Washington’s. If UCLA can maintain the offensive identity it established last week, the Bruins should score enough points to win. Cal’s QB might pose a threat with his feet, but with preparation and appropriate play calling, the challenge shouldn’t be insurmountable. UCLA 27 – Cal 21

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Kellan Grant

Cal usually shows up to play at home and it will be a close game throughout. However, the Bruin’s close loss to UW gave them just enough confidence and momentum to pick up their first win of the season. UCLA 24 – Cal 17

Michael Hanna

While the Bruins continue to be competitive in spurts, they are ultimately undone again by a QB’s legs, as Brandon McIlwain’s efficiency as a runner ultimately proves to be the difference for Cal in an otherwise even matchup. Cal 27 – UCLA 21

Jake Merrifield

UCLA can’t get it done on the road versus a determined Cal team coming off two tough losses. Cal 27 – UCLA 24

Muna Osisioma

I believe that UCLA is getting better. I expected the defense to play well against Washington and they did. I didn’t expect the offense to look as good as it looked. I am tempted to predict a carry over to this week. But Bowers’ ability to run gives me pause. I believe in UCLA but want to see this game first to see if they are for real. Cal 27 – UCLA 20

Next. Know Your Opponent: UCLA Football vs. California 2018. dark

Mike Regalado

If I was a betting man, which I am not, I would definitely pick UCLA in this game who is a 7.5-point underdog. This is going to be an interesting matchup because both defenses play tough. What will be the determining factor here is how the offenses play. Cal is having a bit of trouble holding onto the ball while the Bruins had made excellent progress last week against Washington. I don’t expect that to stay the same for the majority of the game, but it should be the theme for each. With that being said… BRUINS GET THEIR FIRST WIN, BABY!!! UCLA 24 – Cal 20