San Diego State (1-0) at UCLA (1-0)
When: 4:15 p.m. Saturday
Where: Rose Bowl
TV/Radio: Big Ten Network/790 AM
Line: UCLA by 12.5 points
Injury Report
UCLA: N/A
San Diego State: N/A
(Neither team is required to release an injury report for a nonconference matchup)
What’s at stake? UCLA got off to a hot start to begin the Bob Chesney era with a thrilling comeback win against Cal. Although it’s just one game, the Bruins have tons of momentum heading into their home opener. If UCLA is able to down a couple of in-state foes to begin the season, the buzz surrounding the program will be palpable. They can’t afford to look ahead with Big Ten play starting next week. On the flip side, if San Diego State comes into the Rose Bowl and pulls out a win, the Aztecs could make a case as an early College Football Playoff contender from the Group of 6.
Who’s better? The Bruins went upstate and defeated a power conference opponent in their season-opening win, while San Diego State trailed at one point to Portland State, an FCS team. UCLA has the clear talent edge at every position group and should be able to build off their performance from a week ago. San Diego State will deploy its two-headed monster in the backfield of Lucky Sutton and Javion Kinnard. It will be a busy day for the Bruins’ talented defensive front seven. Nico Iamaleava should have an easier time in the pocket and could be earmarked for a big game for UCLA.
Matchup to watch: UCLA’s front seven vs. San Diego State’s run game. The Bruins relied on their physicality up front against Cal with players like Jalen Woods and Sahir West making impacts early. UCLA captain Sammy Omosigho, an Oklahoma transfer, had a stellar debut and will be counted on against an Aztecs rushing attack that totaled 42 carries for 237 yards in its season opener.
UCLA wins if: Considering the talent mismatch in favor of UCLA, the Bruins will have to avoid any self-inflicted mistakes like turnovers, busted coverages and missed tackles. A bonus will be gauging how big the crowd is at the Rose Bowl. The Bruins faithful packed their allotted sections at Memorial Stadium in Berkeley. It will be interesting to see the turnout Saturday.
Prediction: UCLA 35, San Diego State 10. The Bruins will put this game away early. With temperatures expected to be in the high 80s around kickoff, it wouldn’t come as a surprise to see a sluggish start however. Great coaching staffs learn a lot in between their first and second game. Chesney and his coaching staff will have a chance to prove themselves on home soil that this program isn’t the same as years past.