Minnesota (3-3, 1-2 Big Ten) at UCLA (1-4, 0-3)
When: 6 p.m. Saturday
Where: Rose Bowl
TV/radio: Big Ten Network/AM 570
Line: Minnesota by 4
What’s at stake? UCLA is nearing the midway point of the season and it feels like a do-or-die scenario Saturday against Minnesota. To their credit, the Bruins haven’t shown signs of desperation in practice and are sticking to their blueprint of getting incrementally better each week. But after facing four consecutive opponents that are all currently ranked 18th or better in the latest Associated Press poll, this feels like UCLA’s best opportunity to get back into the win column before hitting the road for two more challenging matchups against Big Ten Conference foes Rutgers and Nebraska.
Who’s better? Minnesota has shown moxie in its past two games. On Sept. 28, it lost to No. 24 Michigan by only three points after trailing 21-3 at halftime. The Golden Gophers came back last week to beat then-No. 11 USC after trailing by a touchdown in the fourth quarter. UCLA and Minnesota have shown a tendency to play better in the second half of games this year, so whichever team gets off to a quicker start could be poised to hold onto the lead until the final whistle blows.
Matchup to watch: Whether it’s Ethan Garbers or Justyn Martin, whoever starts at quarterback for UCLA will face a steep challenge against Minnesota’s pass defense, which is allowing just 114 passing yards per game, ranked first in the nation. UCLA’s wideouts, namely Logan Loya and Kwazi Gilmer, will go against a secondary that has nine interceptions. Wide receiver J.Michael Sturdivant, who was held without a catch two games in a row, will need to factor in to help keep UCLA’s offense moving.
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UCLA wins if: The Bruins are consistent throughout the contest. The Bruins have had notable moments on both sides of the ball this season, but have yet to string together four straight quarters of high-quality football. Special teams have been dependable this season, so if the offense and defense can follow suit, UCLA will have a good chance to come away victorious.
Prediction: UCLA 24, Minnesota 20. The timing feels right for UCLA to get its second win of the season and first in the Big Ten Conference. Minnesota is coming off an upset victory against USC and could let its guard down this week. The Bruins played their best football last week in the last of a tough four-game stretch. If UCLA gets off to a good start, the home crowd should help the team carry that momentum.