UCLA football: Way-too-early game-by-game predictions for 2023

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PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 19: Caleb Williams #13 of the USC Trojans looks to pass against the UCLA Bruins during the first quarter in the game at Rose Bowl on November 19, 2022 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

The game that’s circled on every single UCLA fan’s calendar, USC will host UCLA for the crosstown rivalry that usually yields instant classic results.

Dorian Thompson-Robinson and the Bruins came up just short in 2022 and I think they could pull off the upset this season but I just think that Caleb Williams and Lincoln Riley won’t be beaten at home in 2023. Plus, he’s going to have some serious weapons around him, such as running back MarShawn Lloyd.

USC may very well go undefeated next season and UCLA will just be another tally in the win column for the Trojans.

Prediction: Loss (8-3, 5-3)

Cal took a big step back in 2022 under Justin Wilcox as he was a hot commodity in the coaching carousel in the previous offseason and was even rumored to be a top candidate to take the Oregon job.

I just don’t see them improving a ton this season and it might be another year without a bowl berth. UCLA should win big in the season finale to give Chip Kelly his best regular season with the Bruins yet.

Prediction: Win (9-3, 6-3)

Next. Way-too-early Top 25 projections for 2023. dark

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