2015 UCLA Predictions

Once again, it's my predictions for the UCLA Bruins for my lifelong friend and Bruins fan. I'll say I'm cautiously optimistic about the Bruins chances this year. Starting a true freshman quarterback, Josh Rosen, is always a risky proposition, but the rest of the team is loaded and may help him get through those first few games as he gets used to the speed of the college game. Still, I think he is going to have a couple games where his inexperience is going to cost them and UCLA may have to wait one more year for that Rose Bowl or Playoff spot. On with the picks...

Virginia - The Cavaliers showed more fight than expected in last year's game against the Bruins. That can probably be attributed to the fact that it was essentially a 9am game for UCLA playing in Charlottesville. Virginia may make this year's contest a game of it for a half or so, but the Bruins should be able to turn turnovers into points and will pull away for a victory in Josh Rosen's first game as QB. 1-0

at UNLV - As long as the Bruins stay out of the casinos, strip clubs and all you can eat buffets, this should be an easy Vegas road trip and another confidence builder for Rosen. 2-0.

BYU - The Cougars have a knack for showing up early on the Bruin schedule and derailing their season before it even really gets going. Those usually happen in Provo. This one is at the Rose Bowl and UCLA will find a way to win. This is the first game where I think Rosen could cost the Bruins with his decision making, but the defense and playing at home will make up for it. 3-0

at Arizona - Playing on the road against the Wildcats may be where the young QB let's the atmosphere get to him. I think he's shaky but the Bruin defense is solid enough to keep Arizona in check and UCLA goes to 4-0...

Arizona State - ...before the Sun Devils come to town and end the undefeated season, make Rosen look like a true freshman and announce themselves as the front-runner for the Pac-12 South title. 4-1

at Stanford - The first of back-to-back Thursday night games, this one on the road. The Cardinal have owned the Bruins the last several years, wearing them down and then punching them out. Until UCLA shows me they can beat Stanford, especially at Stanford, I'm sticking with the Cardinal. 4-2

California - The second Thursday night game against a Cal team that at least can put up some points even if they don't stop anyone. The Bears used to be a tricky team for the Bruins; when Cal was bad, they seemed to give the Bruins fits and when they were good, they were terrible against UCLA. They're currently a little better than bad and maybe improving, so I'll take UCLA to win. 5-2

Colorado - There is no reason UCLA shouldn't hang at least 45 on Colorado. The Buffaloes have been awful since they joined the Pac-12 and that isn't changing this year. 6-2

at Oregon State - New coach, only two returning starters on defense and not a very good team last year, the Beavers should be no match for the Bruins. Strange things sometimes happen in Corvallis, but not this year. 7-2

Washington State - Similar to Cal, the Cougars are getting better but they still aren't great. They'll play the Bruins close but lose and UCLA will be back in the Pac-12 South title discussion as the conference cannibalizes itself. 8-2

at Utah - This is a tough one. It's at Utah. As mentioned earlier, UCLA struggles when they go to Utah. Maybe it's the fact that it's hard to get beer there, maybe it's all the scenic national parks, maybe it's the altitude. This is another game where I think the inexperience of the quarterback may cost them and they lose a tough one. 8-3

at USC - Three in a row for the team from Westwood. The Trojans are off there sanctions but still don't have the depth they need. Coach Sarkisian may be coaching for his job after his pre-season drunken show. UCLA wins a close one. If they blow out the Trojans, look for Sark to be fired shortly after. 9-3