UCLA Football vs Texas A&M: Preview, predictions and TV channel
UCLA football squares off with Texas A&M in the Bruins season opener on Sunday. What should you expect, who will win and how can you watch it?
Sunday night in Westwood is when the Bruins and Aggies kickoff the 2017 season. For the winner, a sigh and a chance to enjoy Labor Day. For the loser, its stay off the message boards and wait till next week.
The 2016 version of this game was one of the more entertaining games of the season as both teams went toe to toe in what turned out to be a season both would like to forget. Late season slides and health hurt both teams and now 2017 is a chance to start anew.
While both schools tout NFL-ready talent, the missed opportunities and frequent letdowns put both programs in a mode to where is it not only must win but it’s all about making a mark. Kevin Sumlin at Texas A&M and Jim Mora Jr. at UCLA should be in better shape. If this game is anything like last season’s contest then we should have some fireworks at the end.
Texas A&M at UCLA
Where: Rose Bowl Stadium (Pasadena, California)
When: Sept. 3rd, 7:30 PM EST FOX
Play-by-Play/Color Commentary: Gus Johnson and Joel Klatt
Most important player in the game: UCLA QB Josh Rosen
He’s brash, he’s arrogant and he’s everything you’d want in a quarterback (unless you are a USC fan). Josh Rosen is living on borrowed time. If this is indeed his last season in LA he needs to kick it off with an impressive performance. It’s very possible for Rosen to get into the Heisman race but a loss to A&M for the second season in row is not a good look for a quarterback who’s yet to live up to the hype.
Most important matchup of the game: Jim Mora Jr. vs. Kevin Sumlin
Each coach has struggled to get to the next level, both walk into the season with the hot seat simmering quite a bit. A loss to start the season turns the temps up slightly and that’s the last thing each coach doesn’t need. Mora’s teams struggled to stay healthy and consistent in 2016 and Sumlin’s just struggled to play with heart. The two squads are very much alike so whichever coach can break the cycle that’s brought them down in the past then that team will start off 2017 with a victory.
Next: Top 50 players in college football in 2017
Prediction
Josh Rosen has no Myles Garrett to deal with and UCLA is still quite talented across the board. Rosen has leading returners and rushers at his disposal. Look for the Bruins to roll in this one. Sumlin’s hot seat is going to be a bit hotter on Labor Day.
UCLA 37, Texas A&M 24