UCLA AT ARIZONA: WHO HAS THE EDGE?
NO. 19UCLA (6-2, 3-2) AT ARIZONA (5-3, 3-2) When: 7:30 p.m. today
Where: Arizona Stadium, Tucson
TV/radio: FS1 / 570 AM
Line: UCLA by 2 1/2 points
Notable injuries: ARIZONA: OUT: WR Chris Hunter (undisclosed), RB Brandon Johnson (undisclosed); PROBABLE: QB Jayden De Laura (leg). UCLA: QUESTIONABLE: QB Collin Schlee (upper body), PROBABLE: WR Titus Mokiao-Atimalala (undisclosed), LB Ale Kaho (undisclosed)
What’s at stake: The Bruins, ranked 19th in the initial College Football Playoff poll, are looking to avenge last season's loss to the Wildcats, which derailed their chances at being a contender for the Pac-12 Championship game. A victory would keep the possibility open of appearing in the Pac-12Championship game. A victory for the Wildcats could earn them a spot in the Top 25 next week.
Who’s better: The Bruins are better statistically, but the Wildcats have been playing above expectations throughout conference play this season. UCLA quarterback Ethan Garbers is starting to come into his own after starting the past two games. Arizona quarterback and Servite alum Noah Fifita has provided a spark since taking on the starting role the past four games.
Matchup to watch: UCLA's rushing attack vs. Arizona's defense. Carson Steele and TJ Harden lead the Bruins' rush attack and average 215.9yards per game, which ranks eighth in the country. The Wildcats took a significant jump with some additional transfer portal pieces to help improve the run defense. The Wildcats have allowed just 100.4 rushing yards per game, which ranks 17th in the country.
UCLA wins if: The Bruins need to establish the run game and avoid turning the ball over. UCLA lost the turnover battle with two interceptions and two fumbles last week against Colorado, but a strong performance from the UCLA defense kept the team afloat in a 28-16victory.
Prediction: UCLA 27, Arizona 21. UCLA must limit the turnovers on offense and build an early lead. The defense will have to pressure Fifita and make him uncomfortable.