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UCLA vs. North Carolina Central: Location, time, prediction, and more

By Ryan Kay

Dec 17, 2022; Atlanta, GA, USA; Post game celebration scenes after the North Carolina Central Eagles defeated the Jackson State Tigers to win the Celebration Bowl in overtime at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2022; Atlanta, GA, USA; Post game celebration scenes after the North Carolina Central Eagles defeated the Jackson State Tigers to win the Celebration Bowl in overtime at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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UCLA Football
Sep 9, 2023; San Diego, California, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Carsen Ryan (20) celebrates with wide receiver Ryan Cragun (10) after scoring a touchdown against the San Diego State Aztecs during the second half at Snapdragon Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

UCLA hosts another undefeated team that is 2-0 this week in their quest to start the season 3-0.

Week 3

Match up: North Carolina Central at No. 24 UCLA

Date: Saturday, Sept. 16

Time: 2 PM PT

TV: Pac-12 Network Records: North Carolina Central (2-0) and UCLA (2-0)

First meeting: This will be the first time that UCLA has played North Carolina Central in football.

This season for both teams: The Eagles are currently 2-0 after wins over Winston-Salem State and North Carolina A&T. They are ranked #18 in the STATS FCS Top 25 poll and #18 in the FCS Coaches Poll.

Last season for both schools: North Carolina Central did well last season winning ten games and only losing two games with those two defeats coming on the road. They finished in first place in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference that participated in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) level. They won their bowl game as they defeated Jackson State in the Celebration Bowl stopping head coach Deion Sanders and his team from going undefeated on the season. UCLA had a strong start to the season with wins over No. 15-ranked Washington and No. 11-ranked Utah last season. Their most disappointing loss was a defeat at home to Arizona and a heartbreaking three-point loss to main rival USC. The Bruins did beat in-state and in-conference rivals Cal and Stanford last season as well.

This season for both teams: The Eagles are led by quarterback Davius Richard, who has thrown for 363 yards and three touchdowns this season. Richard has also rushed for 137 yards and three touchdowns and the Eagles have a strong running game, led by running back Latrell Collier, who has rushed for 167 yards and three touchdowns.

The Eagles’ defense is led by linebacker Jayden Flaker, who has 13 tackles and a sack and fumble recovery this season. NCCU has a tough schedule ahead, with this game against UCLA, and then they play Mississippi Valley State and Campbell. However, they have the talent to compete with anyone in the FCS.

UCLA defeated Coastal Carolina in their season opener where they produced over 400 yards on offense and created three turnovers in their win over the Chanticleers.

The Bruins played even better in their road win against San Diego State. The UCLA offense produced 550 yards and their defense created three turnovers again to help the Bruins to a 35-10 victory.

Prediction: UCLA 48 North Carolina Central 17

dark. Next. Three takeaways from UCLA's game against SDSU