UCLA Football: 2017 Game-by-game predictions
By Zach Bigalke
UCLA’s undefeated record will come to an end when they continue their road trip up to the Bay Area. At Stanford, the Bruins will meet an opponent that is aiming at nothing short than a return to PAC-12 supremacy after a year off the top of the league. Despite the loss of Christian McCaffrey — or perhaps because of it — they could have a more dynamic and diverse offense in 2017.
Last year, McCaffrey racked up 165 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns on 29 total touches. The Cardinal took down UCLA in the Rose Bowl 22-13 en route to another 10-win season. But for David Shaw‘s crew, dropping to third in the Pac-12 North was a bitter slight they will hope to rectify this season.
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Replacing McCaffrey’s all-around production will be several players. Bryce Love will get the majority of the carries. He will be spelled by Cameron Scarlett as both a runner and pass catcher out of the backfield. Keller Chryst will also have a big game against the Bruins secondary this year.
UCLA’s rebuilt defense will finally break after bending perilously close to the snapping point throughout September. In a game that will likely feature two ranked teams, UCLA will emerge as the team with the mark in the loss column. They will need to rebound quickly on their return home from the road swing.