UCLA football: Will Bruins exact revenge on Cincinnati in Week 1?

UCLA football heads to Nippert for the back half of their home-and-home series with Cincinnati. Can UCLA gain revenge for last year’s loss at the Rose Bowl?

Last season, Cincinnati offered a rude welcome to Chip Kelly in his return to the college ranks. The Bearcats came to Pasadena for the season opener, getting the opportunity to play at the Rose Bowl and take on a Power Five opponent.

The game, the first half of a home-and-home series scheduled between the two schools back in April 2015, began with UCLA building up a 10-0 lead in the first quarter. But after spotting the Bruins an early lead, Cincinnati roared back to take a 17-10 advantage into halftime that they would retain for the rest of a contest that finished 26-17 in favor of the Bearcats.

Running back Michael Warren II finished with 142 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the ground as the visitors ground down the Bruins defense. It wasn’t the prettiest of performances, but it was a statement win nonetheless that catapulted Cincinnati on the path toward an 11-2 season.

Now UCLA heads to Nippert Stadium for the return match on Thursday night in prime time against the Bearcats. Kelly’s squad will be hungry to gain a measure of revenge for last year’s home defeat, though they arrive in Ohio as underdogs. Can the Bruins find a way to take down a loaded Cincinnati roster this time?

Date: Thursday, Aug. 29
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Venue: Nippert Stadium
TV: ESPN
Live Stream: ESPN | FuboTV

Keys to Victory

For UCLA to win on Thursday night, it will be incumbent upon the defense to get quick stops and keep Cincinnati from grinding down the clock. Last year, the Bearcats enjoyed nearly nine more minutes with the football than the Bruins. Joshua Kelley needs to show he is healthy after missing most of preseason practice, and Dorian Thompson-Robinson needs to break down a solid Cincinnati defense.

If the Bearcats are going to make it two in a row against UCLA, Warren needs to have another big game rushing the ball against the Pac-12 South dark-horse candidate. Luke Fickell’s squad also needs to generate more balance on offense after throwing for only 110 yards last year on 14-of-26 passing. Just as it was last year for Cincinnati, controlling the clock and keeping the ball away from Chip’s offense will be critical to success.

Betting Odds

Odds courtesy of Bovada

Spread: Cincinnati -2.5
Over/Under: 59

Prediction

UCLA is going to be much better in 2019 than they were in Chip Kelly’s first season at the helm. Bowl eligibility is a real possibility. But Cincinnati is not only a team on a path to go bowling but a contender for the American Athletic Conference crown who offers a direct challenge to UCF in the East and could use the Bruins as a springboard for a run at a New Year’s Six berth.

Look for Desmond Ridder to have a bigger game than he did last year against the Bruins throwing the ball, and for Warren to finish with another triple-digit performance against a Pac-12 defense as Cincinnati wins on their home turf.

Final Score: UCLA 24, Cincinnati 31