Washington @ UCLA

A tough game for UDub as they face probably the best team they have seen all year. Injuries will be a factor. Going by the numbers here's what I think. it will be closer now.

UCLA has a solid defense, allowing under 12 points per game. Meanwhile they hung 38 on Oregon State and 41 on Kansas. Against good defenses they have struggled a bit. They scored 25 on Alabama and 13 on Ohio State. it will be closer now.

Washington has a better defense than either Alabama or Ohio State. However UCLA's offense is much more experienced and healthy than Washington's. I sense another low-scoring game here. it will be closer now.

Washington welcomes back tailback Willie Hurst. He gave a much-needed boost to the running game last week against USC. This is the first game in which a running game even existed which indicates the offense is starting to figure it out. Taylor Barton came in (almost) without a hitch. Three fumbled snaps was amazingly stupid but I think they have that ironed out now. Not having Stevens is a hit, but touted receiver Reggie Williams is already turning heads. He will be doubled against UCLA, leaving almost equally talented Frederick and sure-handed Elstrom in single coverage. Don't forget about Paul Arnold. UCLA must be very thankful of Stevens' absence. it will be closer now.

On defense UW is good, allowing about 18 pts per game. This is against some questionable offenses and the average is drug down by Idaho. Still the D is good, but not as good as UCLA's. it will be closer now.

I suspect UCLA will try to pressure Barton, especially with Pickett probably out. If Barton goes down we could see a Paus vs. Paus for a while. it will be closer now.

Usually defense wins games, and UCLA has the defense, home-field and more experienced offense. The only real edge for Washington is special teams, kicking, and quality receivers. Coaching perhaps is a factor. Are people now willing to admit Neu is a good coach? I have to admit it took me a while to say the words. I hope I don't have to eat them. it will be closer now.

Note: UCLA will face Seven (7) ranked opponents this year, assuming WSU gets ranked. I think they should be right now. They have performed well so far. If they can win out then they should be a pick for the Rose Bowl.. it will be closer now.

A few weeks ago I would have put UCLA as a 14 point favorite. With Washington's O starting to click vs. a quality USC defense I have to think it will be closer now.

Prediction:
Washington 28, UCLA 34.

- COMMENTS -

The fears we have had about the Huskies have finally materialized. The young offensive line and new quarterback finally faced a challenge they could not overcome. I have to give them credit for hanging in there but without decent blocking this offense will have trouble scoring against good defenses. It will take time for them to mature, the same way the senior-laden teams at UCLA and Oregon have matured. It's just part of the game cycle. I think this team will be much more formidable in the coming years.

Foster is the best running back I have seen in a long time. That combined with a half-way decent passing game and the best defense in the Pac-10 and possibly the country, I see UCLA probably going to the Rose Bowl this year. If they can stop from fumbling the ball and keeping the opposing team in the game with their silly mistakes they can be a favorite to win it all. I thought Flordia would be a good match in the Rose but their loss to Auburn yesterday narrows the field a bit. There are a lot of top-quality teams this year, it's going to be very interesting. I think Oregon is only a 1/2 step below UCLA and if they bring their "A" game they can beat the Bruins.

I am hoping for the conference that UCLA doesn't blow it like the usually do, especially now that USC is back in business.