UCLA Football: 2017 Game-by-game predictions
By Zach Bigalke
Last year’s showdown between Texas A&M and UCLA was the first meeting since the 1998 Cotton Bowl. It was also the Bruins’ first-ever visit to Kyle Field, as the teams’ three previous meetings before the Cotton Bowl all came in Pasadena. It proved to be an instant classic that required extra time to decide the matter.
In that game, Josh Rosen completed 26 of his 46 attempts for 343 yards and a touchdown. Unfortunately, he also completed three passes to Aggies defenders. UCLA’s defense held firm after each pick, forcing a missed 38-yard field goal attempt, a punt and a turnover on downs on the three ensuing drives. The last stop forced overtime
Texas A&M ultimately won when Trevor Knight ran into the endzone for the winning touchdown, and the Aggies defense batted down Rosen’s fourth-down pass on UCLA’s overtime drive. A similar type of game could transpire this season. Texas A&M, though, has its own rebuilding issues.
Nick Starkel, a redshirt sophomore will take over at quarterback. Gone also is Myles Garrett, the defensive lineman who was selected first overall by the Cleveland Browns in the 2017 NFL Draft. Rosen will drive the Bruins into position for a late field goal that wins the matchup in regulation.