Stanford Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2017

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PASADENA, CA – SEPTEMBER 24: JJ Arcega-Whiteside #19 of the Stanford Cardinal makes a catch for a first down as he is covered by Jaleel Wadood #2 of the UCLA Bruins during the second quater at Rose Bowl on September 24, 2016 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

The UCLA Bruins were one of those teams that just didn’t live up to the preseason hype a year ago. Not only did they not make a bowl game, but they had just four wins and eight losses. It truly was a forgettable year for Jim Mora and Co.

Entering the 2017 season, though, there’s hope. The Bruins return All-American candidate Josh Rosen at quarterback after he missed a good chunk of the 2016 season with injuries. However, some of his top targets in the passing game are gone. Still, he has the talent to make do with what he’s given.

This will be another test for the growing Stanford secondary and it will be one that it handles well, but still gets touched for 250-plus yards. Holding Rosen to less than 250 would be a miracle, but this secondary will hold him under 300, which is still a win.

Moreover, the Cardinal will halt the Bruins’ run game as Soso Jamabo had a rough season in 2016 and is still trying to gain confidence. Overall, Stanford plays well in front of its home fans and earns the first win of the season in Stanford, Calif.

Final: UCLA 27, Stanford 37 (3-1, 1-1 Pac-12)

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