UCLA at UNLV
When: 5 p.m. Saturday
Where: Allegiant Stadium. Las Vegas
TV/radio: CBS Sports Network/790 AM
Records: UCLA 0-1, UNLV 2-0
Line: UCLA by 2.5
Notable injuries
UCLA: OUT: WR Rico Flores Jr. (torn ACL, estimated return: October), DL Robert James III (undisclosed, second ending), DL Tyler Partlow (undisclosed), WR Jonah Smith (undisclosed, season ending), WR Carter Shaw (labrum); DOUBTFUL: DL Nico Davillier (personal reasons).
UNLV: N/A
What’s at stake? UCLA football’s season is already at risk of collapse if the Bruins were to lose Saturday in Las Vegas. UCLA deserves credit, scheduling now-No. 25 Utah for Week 1 – instead of a low-level FBS or FCS foe – introduces a litmus test off the bat. However, if it were an exam, the Bruins flunked Week 1. A win against UNLV – a team with sneaky College Football Playoff hopes despite a mixed first two weeks – could help UCLA get back on track and avoid disaster before Big Ten play begins. For the Rebels, starting 3-0 before Mountain West action gets underway creates a scenario where UNLV’s only likely loss on the schedule becomes Boise State. UNLV coach Dan Mullen fended off a Week 0 upset bid from FCS’ Idaho State – and if that game proves to be a fluke, the Rebels could very well be on their way to an 11-1 season with a victory over the Bruins.
Who’s better? Take a look at both rosters. On paper, UCLA should be the clear-cut favorite heading into the city that never sleeps. Nico Iamaleava has already proved why he was a consensus five-star quarterback entering Tennessee through his play with the Volunteers a year ago. But a big question remains: Can the redshirt sophomore show that while donning the blue and gold? Through two games, UNLV has succeeded on the ground – averaging 5.9 yards per carry through two games so far, ranking 32nd in the nation. UCLA conceded 6.2 yards per carry against Utah last week and is facing another quarterback, Anthony Colandrea, who is unafraid to use his legs to extend plays. If UCLA can avoid a repeat of its woes last week, the Bruins could cruise. But if it can’t stop a ground-and-pound attack, defensive coordinator Ikaika Malloe will have plenty more questions to ask of his defense.
UCLA wins if: Coach DeShaun Foster’s message of “we were close” rings true. UCLA needs to show visible improvements in every aspect of the game, including the passing game plan, offensive line improvement, the pass rush having a marked impact on UNLV, and an emphasis on fundamentals such as tackling. Iamaleava doesn’t even have to be all that great. If Cal transfer running back Jaivian Thomas outpaces Rebels tailback Jai’Den Thomas – both of whom don the nickname, “The Jet” – it will be proof that offensive coordinator Tino Sunseri’s offensive identity turned into results. If the game is on the lower end of the scoring spectrum, then it’ll probably bode well for the Bruins against a team that posted 40-plus points in each of its first two games.
Prediction: UCLA 28, UNLV 24. Winning in Las Vegas isn’t going to turn down the pressure for Foster and the Bruins. But UCLA has too much talent compared to UNLV to flail in back-to-back weeks. The Rebels are no slouch – Mullen seems to have found his footing after near-disaster in their season opener – but the Bruins should be returning to Westwood in the win column.
Related Articles
UCLA defensive back Rodrick Pleasant knows time will tell UCLA broadcaster Josh Lewin is in his happy place UCLA football coach DeShaun Foster sees ‘a lot we can fix’ Nico Iamaleava points inward for UCLA’s opening-game struggles Alexander: Rough start for UCLA football, in more ways than oneHence then, the article about ucla football at unlv who has the edge was published today ( ) and is available on The Orange County Register ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( UCLA football at UNLV: Who has the edge? )
Also on site :
- The Good Ship Murder Christmas special cast: Meet the characters
- No. 20 Virginia notches first 11-win season by beating 25th-ranked Missouri in the Gator Bowl
- Natural gas line rupture stops traffic on 5 Freeway in Castaic