UCLA football: 3 bold predictions for Pac-12 opener in Week 4 vs Stanford
By Zach Bigalke
2. Bryce Love will top 200 rushing yards against UCLA front seven
The loss of Christian McCaffrey has not impacted the running game one bit, as Bryce Love has been one of the few reliable components of the Stanford offense in 2017. After serving as McCaffrey’s understudy last season, Love has emerged as one of the most dangerous running threats in the country.
The junior from North Carolina is also one of the most consistent running backs in the country. He opened the season with 184 yards and a touchdown against Rice. In the USC loss, Love ran for 160 yards and a score. Then, last weekend in San Diego, Love put up 184 yards and a dozen points on two touchdown runs.
If Stanford was 3-0 instead of 1-2, Love would be right in the thick of the Heisman race at this point of the season. Instead, Love’s notable performances have come in losing efforts, taking the shine of the individual achievements.
UCLA currently ranks 122nd out of 129 FBS teams in rushing defense. The Bruins are allowing an average of 275 yards per game to their opponents. This week, they will give up over 200 yards on the ground to Love as he stakes his claim as the top running back in the nation. But will he get the support from the rest of the offense?