UCLA HAS EVERYTHING IT NEEDS TO RULE PAC-12
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Betting on UCLA to do anything more than win nine or so games and disappoint is never a wise decision. I’m going to do it anyway.
I’m going to gamble on this being the Bruins’ breakout season, with all due respect to the program’s steadiness since Jim Mo
ra’s arrival: UCLA has been good but not great under Mora, though there have been flashes of the consistency needed to be counted among the nation’s best. Could this be the year it comes together?
The talent is there. The experience is there. The quarterback is certainly there: Josh Rosen is going to be absolutely fantastic, as predicted in some corners before he even threw his first college pass. All that’s left are the misgivings over the coaching staff ’s ability to handle the pressures of matching these immense expectations; those fears won’t disappear until September at the earliest.
But it’s a good year for UCLA to take the next step. Stanford is going to be terrific, as always, but I don’t totally buy into the Cardinal’s wherewithal as a championship contender. Oregon will again hover around double-digit wins, but the Ducks are not without their concerns. Washington is poised to make noise — but I think the Huskies’ national breakthrough is a year away.
It’s all coming together for the Bruins. Can the team take advantage of this opportunity? Maybe there’s one other concern: UCLA’s greatest enemy is UCLA.
BEST UNITS Quarterback: UCLA. Through one season, Rosen has been everything most expected him to be — and he’s only getting better.
Running back: Stanford and Oregon (tie). There’s no one quite like Christian McCaffrey, but Oregon’s backfield is about more than just Royce Freeman; the Ducks have very good depth in the running game. Both teams have breakout candidates in
Bryce Love and Tony BrooksJames, respectively.
Wide receiver and tight end: Southern California. February brought yet another crop of talented receivers to join the established top group of JuJu Smith- Schuster, Steven Mitchell, Darreus Rogers and incomparable Adoree’ Jackson. Offensive line: Southern California. Nothing speaks to the potential for the Trojans’ postsanctions resurgence than the rebuilding of this offensive line, which is easily among the top three or four units in the country. Defensive line: Utah and Stanford (tie). The Utes have more star power, but Harrison
Phillips’ return from injury and the influx of several impressive newcomers give the Cardinal a very strong foundation up front.
Linebacker: Washington and Stanford (tie). Stanford’s strong front seven continues with this position group, while Washington’s terrific back seven begins with Azeem Victor, Keishawn Bierria and the rest of the Huskies linebackers. Secondary: Washington. Having Budda Baker and Sidney Jones share the same secondary is ridiculous and, at times, ridiculously unfair. Special teams: Stanford and Utah (tie). McCaffrey is, well, McCaffrey, and Utah’s Andy Phillips is one of the nation’s top kickers.
GAMES OF THE YEAR USC vs. Alabama (in Arlington, Texas), Sept. 3. It won’t be easy for the Trojans. UCLA at Texas A&M,
Sept. 3. A loaded opening-weekend slate has this game flying under the radar, but don’t discount how vital it will be for the Bruins to get off on the right foot. BYU at Utah, Sept. 10. A new coach joins the rivalry — Ka-
lani Sitake replaces Bronco Mendenhall — but the bitterness will remain the same.
Oregon at Nebraska, Sept. 17. Oregon has had Mike Riley’s number, but there’s a difference between Oregon State and Nebraska. Stanford at Washington,
Sept. 30. The first of two games to decide the North Division and potentially which team from the Pac-12 is a College Football Playoff contender. Washington at Oregon, Oct. 8. Oregon fans will be quick to remind you it’s been some time
since the Huskies beat the Ducks. Stanford at Notre Dame, Oct. 15. When it comes to the Pac-12, no non-conference game will be more impactful in the Playoff hunt. Stanford at Oregon, Nov. 12. Washington has joined the mix in the North race, but don’t be surprised if this game again decides the division.
USC at UCLA, Nov. 19. The Bruins should be nervous about one thing in particular: The Trojans will be playing their best football during the second half of the season.