UCLA vs. UNLV Prediction, Game Preview
UCLA vs. UNLV prediction and game preview. Will the Bruins prevail in this non-conference matchup, or can the Rebels feed off the home crowd for the upset?
The UCLA Bruins travel to Las Vegas to play the UNLV Rebels. We break down the teams below in the UCLA vs. UNLV prediction and game preview.
UCLA vs. UNLV Prediction & Preview
Broadcast
Date: Saturday, September 12
Game Time: 10:30 ET
Network: CBS Sports Network
Follow and/or Contact @Rich Cirminiello
Why You Need To Care
The Josh Rosen Show is headed to Vegas after opening to rave reviews last week against Virginia. UCLA’s ballyhooed rookie quarterback dissected a talented Cavalier defensive backfield, instantly upgrading the Bruins’ hopes of competing for a Pac-12 title this season. UNLV began a new era of its own last weekend, as head coach Tony Sanchez debuted with a hard-fought 38-30 loss at Northern Illinois.
Why UCLA Will Win
The Rebel defense isn’t without individual talent, such as SS Peni Vea and LB Tau Lotulelei. But Sanchez didn’t inherit nearly enough stoppers to slow down the UCLA offense. Rosen was the headliner a week ago, but the Bruins also boast a gifted workhorse, RB Paul Perkins, and a budding offensive line capable of blowing the Rebels off the ball.
Why UNLV Will Win
The biggest takeaway from the opening weekend is that the UNLV offense has a shot to be pretty good in 2015. The Rebels racked up 493 yards in DeKalb, including 319 through the air. Blake Decker is a veteran quarterback, and Devonte Boyd is one of the Mountain West’s top receivers. Plus, UCLA will be without DT Eddie Vanderdoes, one of its most impactful linemen.
Player Who Matters
Vanderdoes will be missed, not so much this Saturday as down the road when conference games begin. The Bruin staff wants to get reps for junior Eli Ankou and sophomore Matt Dickerson to see which backup is ready to move into the lineup next to Kenny Clark. Neither player has much experience, or the raw ability to approach Vanderdoes’ potential.
What’s Going To Happen?
Going on the road to play in the sleepy Sam Boyd Stadium atmosphere could test UCLA’s motivation and energy. But the talent gap is wide enough to overcome whatever might be missing on the passion meter. Rosen will build off his prolific debut performance, while Perkins rolls to his first 100-yard game of the new campaign.
UCLA vs. UNLV Score Prediction
Without further ado, the UCLA vs. UNLV prediction is …
Prediction: UCLA 45, UNLV 17
Must See Rating: 5: Ferrell Takes the Field 1 – 1: A Walk in The Woods … 2
