UCLA Football: Ranking the 2019 opponents by difficulty

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8. Vs. San Diego State, September 7

San Diego State had a tough time in the second half of the 2018 season, but it doesn’t take away from the fact that they are a solid football team, one that is expected to be in the top third of the Mountain West standings. It will be UCLA’s first game at the Rose Bowl, which will help their efforts, but they cannot take this team lightly.

7. Vs. Arizona State, October 26

Herm Edwards wowed many in 2018, and he looks to continue those efforts in 2019. The Bruins nearly had the Sun Devils in Tempe last year, but special teams mishaps kept them from the “W.” That should change this season as this game is at the Rose Bowl and UCLA’s special teams should improve.

6. At USC, November 23

USC might have a new offensive coordinator, but that will not help the systematic problems the Trojans are suffering from. Though this is a late-season game where both teams will be fighting for a better standing in the South Division, UCLA has already shown that they can take down USC. Whether it is at the Rose Bowl or the Coliseum, the Bruins should get the win with Helton in charge of the Trojans.

5. At Washington State, September 21

This game is going to be a hard one to predict. Wazzu under Mike Leach has been very impressive (they finished 11-2 last year), but they are in transition as they lose their stud QB Gardner Minchew for a transfer with an equally exciting name, Gage Gubrud. The good thing about this contest is that it is the first conference game of the season, so if the Bruins lose, they have plenty of time to bounce back.