UCLA football at Nebraska: Who has the edge?
UCLA (2-5, 1-4 Big Ten) at Nebraska (5-3, 2-3 Big Ten)
When: 12:30 p.m. PT Saturday
Where: Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, Nebraska
TV/radio: Big Ten Network/570 AM
Line: Nebraska by 7
What’s at stake? UCLA is eager to get back on the field after its first Big Ten Conference win two weeks ago and add another one to its record. A Bruins win would go a long way to changing the outlook of this season, potentially turning what’s been a below-standard campaign into hope for a strong finish.
Who’s better? The Cornhuskers are superior on the defensive side of the ball, evidenced by the statistics. Aside from a 56-7 blunder against Indiana two weeks ago, Nebraska has given up an average of 12.7 points per game in its other seven contests, including holding No. 4-ranked Ohio State to a season low in total offense (285 yards) a week ago. Offensively, UCLA and Nebraska are pretty much on par. Both teams rank in the bottom 20 in the nation in rushing over the last three games. UCLA has an advantage in the passing game over that span, averaging 281 passing yards compared to Nebraska’s 183.3 passing yards.
Matchup to watch: UCLA’s offensive line has faced several challenging defensive fronts this season, but Nebraska’s might be the best of the bunch according to the numbers. Senior Ty Robinson, who has four sacks this year, leads a stout defensive line that’s allowed just 92.1 rushing yards per game this season, the fifth-best mark in the nation. The Cornhuskers average 6.6 tackles for loss per game, third best in the conference. The Bruins’ current offensive line configuration has started to come together, with its best outing of the season coming in the 35-32 win against Rutgers on Oct. 19. The continuity should be helpful with the same group starting against Nebraska.
UCLA wins if: The Bruins’ defense can apply pressure on Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola. The freshman got off to a solid start to his college career but has been struggling as of late. He’s failed to throw a touchdown in the past three games, two of which were losses, and has thrown five interceptions in that span. Since recording five sacks in the season opener against Hawai’i, UCLA has logged just five sacks combined in its past six games. The defense has to get to the quarterback and force him into making mistakes.
Prediction: UCLA 20, Nebraska 17. The Bruins are coming off their best game of the season offensively, while the Cornhuskers are trending in the opposite direction, scoring 38 total points in their past three games. Even after the win, UCLA wasn’t pleased with its defensive performance, so expect a more disciplined unit this time around.