The 2016 season didn't go as planned for the UCLA Bruins, as ayear filled with promised was ruined by injuries as UCLA limped to a 4-8 record. The 2017 season should be much better, especially if Josh Rosen is healthy, as there's plenty of talent on the roster that can do damage if the players play up to their potential. A Pac-12 title and College Football Playoff berth are the goals this year - can they accomplish those? Here's a game-by-game prediction of UCLA's schedule this year:
Week 1: vs. Texas A&M Aggies
Prediction: WIN (1-0)
The Aggies are a talented team with a major question mark at quarterback and on defense. Those are two areas you want to have sured up in a season opening road game against a team like UCLA. I believe the Bruins win this close game because of their experience in those key areas.
Week 2: vs. Hawaii Rainbow Warriors
Prediction: WIN (2-0)
Hawaiiimply doesn't have the talent to compete with a team with as much talent as UCLA.
Week 3: at Memphis Tigers
Prediction: WIN (3-0)
This game will serve as a good early season test for UCLA. I expect this to be a real indicator of where UCLA stands on the national stage because it has trap game potential. Memphis is a quality team who will make the Bruins work, but they aren't good enough to actually pull off the upset.
Week 4: at Stanford Cardinal
Prediction: LOSS (3-1)
Stanford's offense has to find a way to replace Christian McCaffrey, which will take some time. However, they showed in their season-opening 62-7 win against Rice that they're on the right track, especially defensively. Right now, UCLA's defense isn't good enough to keep Stanford's offense in check.
Week 5: vs. Colorado Buffaloes
Prediction: WIN (4-1)
This could be a tricky game for the Bruins, but the Buffs are having to replace quarterback Sefo Liufau and eight defensive starters. Rosen should exploit that inexperience.
Week 6: BYE
UCLA Fans - Download Chat Sports on Android today for breaking UCLA news, rumors, scores and more - Chat Sports Android App!
Week 7: at Arizona Wildcats
Prediction: WIN (5-1)
The Wildcats are 10-17 over the last two years thanks to an absolutely terrible defense - and that's not changing this year.
Week 8: vs. Oregon Ducks
Prediction: WIN (6-1)
Oregon is a team that has plenty of offensive talent, but they're a major work in progress defensively and, quite frankly, need a season of better coaching before they can compete with the top teams in the conference. UCLA wins at home behind the arm of Rosen.
Week 9: at Washington Huskies
Prediction: LOSS (6-2)
Washington is one of the most well-rounded teams in the country and return many key players from last year's playoff team. UCLA simply doesn't have the overall skill to threaten the Huskies on the road.
Week 10: at Utah Utes
Prediction: WIN (7-2)
The Utes figure to take a small step back with a young team this year. I find it hard to believe the UCLA will lose two games in a row at this point in the season, especially to an unproven team like Utah. The Bruins will come away with a narrow victory.
Week 11: vs. Arizona State Sun Devils
Prediction: WIN (8-2)
Arizona State's offense is fine, but their defense has been one of the worst in the conference for several years. Expect a big game from Rosen and UCLA's offense.
Week 12: vs. USC Trojans
Prediction: LOSS (8-3)
The Battle for LA has been swinging back in favor of the Trojans over the last few years. This will be the biggest test of UCLA's roster top to bottom. Anything can happen in a rivalry game, but USC should win.
Week 13: vs. Cal Golden Bears
Prediction: WIN (9-3)
Cal may not win a conference game this season. This will be an easy win for the Bruins.
Check out our UCLA Bruins news page for all the latest UCLA football news!
Back to the UCLA Bruins Newsfeed