UCLA Football: How the Bruins stack up against Colorado

3 of 4

CINCINNATI, OH – AUGUST 29: Otito Ogbonnia #91 of the UCLA Bruins in action on defense during a game against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Nippert Stadium on August 29, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Cincinnati defeated UCLA 24-14. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Defense

Historically, especially since joining the Pac-12, Colorado has been one of the worst defensive teams in the country. The Buffs have always relied on their offense, and considering where the offense is right now, the pressure will be on for a Colorado defensive unit that has grown accustomed to delegating the pressure to the other side of the ball.

Colorado lacks big names of defense, however, one X-factor to watch is former five-star Alabama recruit Antonio Alfano, who is eligible for the Buffs. Alfano has yet to see the field, but as a former Alabama commit and blue-chip recruit, he could certainly step up for Colorado.

For UCLA, all of the returning production on defense is back. The Bruins had a shaky defensive unit last season, but held Cincinnati to just 24 points, and won the Bruins games down the stretch when the offense faultered. Neither team is particularly good on defense, but considering the returning starters for the Bruins, they get the advantage here.

Advantage: UCLA