The undefeated UCLA Bruins hope to continue their undefeated season Saturday night when they take on the Nevada Wolf Pack in a non-conference game. UCLA has run the gauntlet so far this season, with their last win coming 28-10 over Michigan State. Quarterback Ty Dieffenbach has filled in well to replace Nico Iamaleava after his midseason injury, throwing for 505 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in two starts. UCLA's bread and butter, though, has been their running game. The Bruins are buoyed by running back Wayne Knight and his 627 yards, as he leads the Big Ten in rushing touchdowns. Nevada will really need to tighten up, and catch some luck, if they want to slow down Knight. The Wolf Pack are a team in the Mountain West. They have won two of their last three games, including a 28-13 win over San Jose State their last time out. They have not played a Power Four Conference team yet this season.
What an opportunity halfway through the year for Nevada. The Wolf Pack have a chance to knock off one of the few remaining undefeated teams in College Football. Unfortunately, I don't believe Nevada's strength matches up well against the strengths of the Bruins. Nevada has had an impressive pass defense this season, only allowing opponents to throw for 154 passing yards per game. This number puts them sixth nationally. They also have held opponents to a third-down conversion rate of 29%. I foresee the Bruins' rushing attack negating all of this positivity.
The Bruins should be able to win on first and second down on the ground, creating limited and short third-down plays, making it difficult for the Wolf Pack to get off the field. The negative of Nevada has been their turnovers. They are one of the worst teams at taking care of the football with a turnover differential of -9. They will go against a Bruins defense that has limited opponents to 15.3 points per game, has 12 interceptions, and 10 fumble recoveries. UCLA has excelled at taking away the football, and if that trend continues, it will result in easy scoring opportunities. As the season approaches its final stretch, I have the Bruins comfortably adding another win to their belt.
Nevada vs UCLA: UCLA Bruins -22.5 is available at the time of publishing. Playable to -24.
