UCLA Football: 2017 Game-by-game predictions

Final Standings: 8-4 (5-4 Pac-12)

After going through the record more closely, I have chosen to revise an earlier preseason prediction that slotted UCLA as a 9-3 team in the Pac-12 race. Honestly, though, as the projected scores attest, the margins of victory or defeat are going to be close all throughout the year. 6-6 is just as possible as 9-3.

The losses to Stanford, Washington, and USC seem largely inevitable. A loss to Oregon isn’t inevitable, and nine wins is still within reach. Nevertheless, the Bruins won’t come close to Pac-12 contention or a possible New Year’s Six invite. Given their recent bowl destinations, they are probably locked into a limited number of positions. Losing to the Ducks will shift their destination from Sin City to further east in the desert.

Possible Bowl Game: Cactus Bowl v. TCU

After playing in the Foster Farms Bowl, Alamo Bowl, Sun Bowl, and Holiday Bowl in their past four postseason appearances, the other two bowl destinations available among the Pac-12 affiliations are the Las Vegas Bowl and the Cactus Bowl in Arizona. The Bruins will likely be headed to the latter after their 8-4 campaign.

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There they will take on TCU, which will probably finish with a similar record in the Big 12 this year. The Horned Frogs will bring a stout defense to Chase Field to take on UCLA in one of several bowl games at baseball venues. Rosen will get yards, but he could also throw picks as UCLA ends the year with one final close contest to cap a nail-biting season.