NO. 13 WASHINGTON STATE AT UCLA: WHO HAS THE EDGE?
When: Today, noon
Where: Rose Bowl
TV/radio: Pac-12 Networks / 570 AM
Line: UCLA by 3
Notable injuries: WASHINGTON STATE: OUT: DT Rashad McKenzie (leg), DE Quinn Roff (arm), DE Lawrence Falatea (knee); DOUBTFUL: WR Lincoln Victor (ankle). UCLA: DOUBTFUL: LB Ale Kaho (undisclosed); QUESTIONABLE: WR Titus MokiaoAtimalala (undisclosed).
What's at stake: The final word. This will be the final game in the series between the two programs for the foreseeable future. UCLA has won six of the past eight games against Washington State (4-0, 1-0 Pac-12), with the past five meetings being decided by eight or fewer points.
Who's better: UCLA has the better defense, with a solid defensive front led by Laiatu Latu and Grayson Murphy. The duo has a combined 11 1⁄2 tackles for loss and 5 1⁄2 sacks. Washington State's offense has the more experienced quarterback and has led the Cougars to produce 405.8 yards per game and entered the week as the No. 2 passing offense in the country behind rival Washington.
Matchup to watch: UCLA's secondary vs. Washington State's wide receivers. The Bruins had an extra week to prepare for their biggest challenge after being reasonably untested so far this season. Fresno State transfer Josh Kelly leads the Cougars' receiving corps with 21 catches for 336 yards and
five touchdowns. UCLA promoted Jaylin Davies to starting cornerback in place of Devin Kirkwood in recent weeks.
UCLA wins if: The Bruins (3-1, 0-1) will have success if the offense can bounce back from a lackluster performance against Utah. Quarterback Dante Moore will have to play mistakefree football and the offensive line must keep the true freshman upright after allowing him to be sacked seven times by the Utes. Prediction: Washington State 35, UCLA 28. UCLA's offensive line was exposed against the Utes and could be a point of emphasis for the Cougars this week as they look to frustrate Moore. If the Cougars can build a fast lead and force the Bruins to abandon the run game, it could be a long afternoon for UCLA.