UCLA football will host Arizona State on Saturday night for some ‘Pac-12 After Dark’ action. Here’s everything you need to know.
UCLA football 4-5 (2-4) has pin-balled back and forth all season. It’s safe to say they hit their lowest point against Utah last Saturday. Josh Rosen sat out the game with an injury and watched his team fall on the road 48-17.
Arizona State 5-4 (4-2) has played better football of late. The Sun Devils are coming off a win over Colorado in Week 10 and have won three of their last four conference games, including an upset of No. 5 Washington in the desert.
Both squads have their eyes set on a bowl berth. The Sun Devils could clinch bowl-eligibility on Saturday, but UCLA would need to find another win over either USC or Cal.
Here’s how you can watch Saturday’s UCLA vs. Arizona State game:
Date: Saturday, Nov. 11
Time: 9:30 p.m. ET
Location: Pasadena, Calif.
Venue: Rose Bowl
TV: Pac-12 Network
Live Stream: Pac-12 Network Live
Keys to Victory
It was evident that UCLA backup Devon Modster doesn’t hold a candle to the caliber of Rosen. That’s not much of a surprise and Modster could still have a productive career with the Bruins. But Jim Mora needs production from his passer now. With Rosen back on the field UCLA will throw it around the yard and attempt to score more points than their leaky defense surrenders.
Arizona State will counter with a steady passing game and a multi-faceted rushing attack. Three different Sun Devils have scored five or more rushing touchdowns. The two-headed rushing attack of Demario Richard and Kalen Ballage will be tasked with moving the chains and setting quarterback Manny Wilkins up for success.
Prediction
Arizona State fell back to earth against USC. This team has made enough strides in 2017 to alleviate most of the pressure on head coach Todd Graham but they still have a ways to go on both sides of the ball before they can be expected to be competitive on a weekly basis.
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The Sun Devils rank 11th in the Pac-12 in passing defense. Josh Rosen has already carved up much better defenses and he’s going to have a field day against Arizona State. Rosen goes picks up four more scores and the Bruins do enough on offense to take home the victory.
Final Score: Arizona State 28, UCLA 37