Maryland (4-2 overall, 1-2 Big Ten) at UCLA (2-4 overall, 2-1 Big Ten)
When: 4 p.m. Saturday
Where: Rose Bowl
TV/radio: Fox Sports 1/790 AM
Line: UCLA by 3.5
NOTABLE INJURIES
UCLA: OUT: DL Nico Davillier (personal reasons), DL Robert James III (undisclosed, season ending), DL Tyler Partlow (undisclosed, season ending), WR Jonah Smith (undisclosed, season ending), QB Pierce Clarkson (indefinitely suspended) WR Karson Gordon (undisclosed), OL Jaylen Jeffers (undisclosed, season ending), OL K.D. Arnold (undisclosed, season ending); QUESTIONABLE: WR Jadyn Marshall (undisclosed), LB Ben Perry (undisclosed), DB Croix Stewart (undisclosed).
Maryland: OUT: QB Justyn Martin (undisclosed leg injury), DB Lloyd Irvin III (undisclosed), RB Josiah McLaurin (undisclosed), OL Jaylin Gilchrist (undisclosed), TE J.T. Taggart (undisclosed), RB Bud Coombs (undisclosed, season ending), LB DJ Samuels (undisclosed, season ending), DB Judah Jenkins (undisclosed, season ending), LB Keyari James (undisclosed, season ending), RB Solomon Foye (undisclosed, season ending), OL Michael McMonigle (undisclosed, season ending).
What’s at stake? Somehow, some way, UCLA’s chance at bowling may come down to defeating Maryland on Saturday. And in some ways, for the Terrapins, they might feel the same way. Five wins in seven games would be quite an accomplishment for Maryland coach Mike Locksley – and a sign the Terrapins are on the right track. The Bruins have a true gauntlet coming up with ominous trips to Indiana and Ohio State on the horizon. Counting the possible wins left on UCLA’s schedule, Maryland, Washington, Nebraska and USC are potential chances to jump to a bowl game.
Who’s better? UCLA’s red-zone offense has been nothing short of exceptional in recent weeks, but it may have found its match against Maryland. The Terrapins rank third in red-zone defense and fourth in third-down defense, a potential thorn in the side of Jerry Neuheisel’s storming offense in recent weeks. On paper, the Bruins have the talent advantage and have played like it, even using fringe players – like defensive tackle Siale Taupaki – to build an edge against their foes. The creativity that UCLA currently has on display, against a Maryland team that has yet to look comfortable in conference play in losing to Washington by four points and defeating Nebraska by a field goal, will give the Bruins a chance to build on their hot streak Saturday.
UCLA wins if: The Bruins can make a freshman-heavy roster play like a novice conference foe. UCLA has played much more like the high-talent, experienced roster that is on paper. But it wasn’t until two weeks ago that the roster began to mesh. Maryland quarterback Malik Washington beat out former UCLA backup quarterback Justyn Martin for the starting job and has set the world on fire (10 touchdowns and two interceptions across six games). But late in the game against Nebraska last week, first-year tendencies began to show themselves. Suppose defensive linemen Gary Smith III and Keanu Williams can force pressure up front and cause Washington to fold in the pocket. In that case, there is good reason to think the Bruins’ defense can give Nico Iameleava and Co. enough room to create a multi-score advantage.
Prediction: UCLA 41, Maryland 24. Predictions have become harder and harder to write for this Bruins team – but we feel confident for the first time this season. Interim head coach Tim Skipper has turned UCLA around, and there will be a true home environment at the Rose Bowl to cheer on a team that could be headed for an all-eyes-on-me matchup with No. 3 Indiana next week.