UCLA (1-5, 0-4 Big Ten) at Rutgers (4-2, 1-2 Big Ten)
When: 9 a.m. PT Saturday
Where: SHI Stadium, Piscataway, New Jersey
TV/radio:Â Fox Sports 1/570 AM
Line: Rutgers by 4.5
What’s at stake? After losing five games in a row, UCLA is desperate to flip the script. The Bruins are still searching for their first Big Ten Conference win and will get a chance against a Rutgers program that has cooled off since starting the season 4-0. This will be the first meeting between the teams.
Who’s better? The Scarlet Knights have the edge in the standings, but are entering Saturday’s matchup on a two-game losing streak. UCLA has also faced a tougher schedule, going up against three teams currently ranked in the Associated Press top 10, while Rutgers has yet to face a nationally ranked team. These teams feel like they are more on the same level than what the records say.
Matchup to watch: Rutgers’ offense has been on a downward trajectory, scoring seven points in each of its past two games. The Scarlet Knights are averaging 134.7 passing yards per game over their last three, which ranks in the bottom 10 in college football. UCLA’s defense has been moving in a positive direction, allowing 329 yards of total offense over its last three games, ranked 24th in the nation over that span. The Bruins’ defense has a good opportunity.
UCLA wins if: The offense can put up more than 20 points. It may not seem like a high bar, but UCLA has yet to hit that mark this season. Rutgers’ pass defense ranks in the middle of the pack and its run defense is even more porous, allowing more than 200 rushing yards per game over the last three games. If there is a game where running back T.J. Harden and company can finally produce big plays on the ground, this is the one.
Prediction: UCLA 21, Rutgers 17. This should be a close contest and a lot will depend on which team gets off to a better start. Rutgers has failed to score in the first three quarters in its last two games, so if UCLA can take an early lead, it will set up a good chance to return to home with a victory. The Bruins had a fourth-quarter lead against Minnesota last week but squandered it in the final minutes. If the Bruins can apply what they learned from that loss, they might be able to hold onto a lead in the final minutes the second time around.
