No. 19 UCLA will host unranked Washington State on Saturday evening in its final home game of the 2015 season. The Bruins are on a three-game winning streak, following last weekend’s 41-0 victory over the Oregon State Beavers.
Here’s what Daily Bruin Sports predicts when UCLA kicks off at 7:45 p.m. Saturday.
Claire Fahy, Sports editor
UCLA 41, Washington State 34
The Bruin defense is statistically more successful against a throwing offense than a running offense, and the Cougar offense is the former. While Washington State’s offensive playbook is better suited to UCLA’s game plan, the Cougars enter the Rose Bowl as an unexpected dark-horse candidate for conference contender. The Bruins two weeks ago might have been susceptible to a stunner, but this UCLA team has gained maturity and composure over the course of the season, as evident from its shutout of Oregon State last weekend. This game might get close, but the Bruins will power through to their two toughest games of the season.
Matt Cummings, assistant Sports editor
UCLA 34, Washington State 24
Coach Mike Leach has Washington State looking dangerous, with an aerial attack that should scare UCLA fans. With two imposing receivers in Dom Williams and Venice native Gabe Marks, the Cougars will test the Bruins’ secondary. But the UCLA defensive backs have improved recently and have the playmaking ability to capitalize on a pass-happy offense with a turnover or two. On the other side of the ball, the Cougars are susceptible to huge running plays – they’re tied for third-most in Division I in the number of 30-plus-yard rushing plays allowed. Redshirt junior running back Paul Perkins and his freshman counterpart, Soso Jamabo, should add to that.
Korbin Placet, assistant Sports editor
UCLA 28, Washington State 27
ESPN’s data website FiveThirtyEight gives UCLA a 6 percent chance of winning the Pac-12 championship, and just a 3 precent chance of reaching the College Football Playoffs. The road is clearly tough and treacherous, and it starts with a contest against a surprisingly good Washington State. A few sports pundits have even said that the Cougars could be a nine-win team this season. That is thanks to who some consider the most consistent quarterback in the Pac-12: Luke Falk. The sophomore is supported by two of the best receivers in the conference. While the Bruin secondary has been a weak point for them in a couple games, it does have the playmakers to stop the Cougar offense from making an impact. I still expect a close game. Just look at how well Washington State played against Stanford.
Tanner Walters, assistant Sports editor
UCLA 24, Washington State 20
If you’re worried about the Cougars, Bruin fans, you are not alone. This is a dangerous game for the home team, and a poor showing could easily cut UCLA out of the conversation for the top bowl games. The good news, however, is that the Bruins are in a good position to handle the aerial attack they’ll soon encounter. They nabbed three interceptions last weekend – albeit against a bad Oregon State squad – and that strong play should continue for another week. It would be unwise to overlook this weekend in anticipation of Utah and ‘SC, but UCLA should be able to handle things at the Rose Bowl.