Through 3 Quarters
The UCLA Bruins were expected to win this one, and so far that’s exactly how it’s playing out. They have emerged as the frontrunner after three quarters and are ahead of the Arizona Wildcats 24-16. The Bruins have been riding high on the performance of QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who has passed for one TD and 60 yards on 14 attempts in addition to rushing for two TDs and 31 yards.
Both UCLA and Arizona suffered losses in their previous contests, but UCLA is closer to making up for it this week. At this point it looks like UCLA might take this one, but there’s still plenty of time for a reversal of fortune.
Who’s Playing
UCLA @ Arizona
Current Records: UCLA 3-2; Arizona 0-4
What to Know
The Arizona Wildcats have had a week off and are no doubt ready to get back on the field. The Wildcats and the UCLA Bruins will face off in a Pac-12 battle at 10:30 p.m. ET on Saturday at Arizona Stadium. Both teams took a loss in their last game, so they’ll have plenty of motivation to get the ‘W.’
Arizona has to be aching after a bruising 41-19 defeat to the Oregon Ducks two weeks ago. QB Jordan McCloud had a memorable game, but not in the way you want to be remembered: despite one touchdown, he threw five interceptions.
Meanwhile, UCLA might not have won anyway, but with 90 yards lost due to penalties, they really shot themselves in the foot last week. The contest between UCLA and the Arizona State Sun Devils was not particularly close, with UCLA falling 42-23. The losing side was boosted by QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who passed for one TD and 235 yards on 32 attempts in addition to picking up 93 yards on the ground.
Special teams collected 11 points for UCLA. K Nicholas Barr-Mira delivered a perfect 3-for-3 game.
The Wildcats have to know they’ll be fighting an uphill battle given the 16 point spread they are up against. However, those who like betting on the underdog should be happy to hear that they are 2-0 against the spread when expected to lose.
The losses put Arizona at 0-4 and the Bruins at 3-2. A pair of defensive stats to keep an eye on: Arizona is 192nd worst in the nation in touchdowns allowed, with 13 on the season. UCLA has experienced some struggles of their own as they are stumbling into the game with the 237th most passing yards allowed per game in the nation, having given up 321.4 on average. It’s possible one of these Achilles’ heels will wind up tripping the losing team up.
How To Watch
- When: Saturday at 10:30 p.m. ET
- Where: Arizona Stadium — Tucson, Arizona
- TV: ESPN
- Online streaming: fuboTV (Try for free. Regional restrictions may apply.)
- Follow: CBS Sports App
- Ticket Cost: $18.00
Odds
The Bruins are a big 16-point favorite against the Wildcats, according to the latest college football odds.
The oddsmakers were right in line with the betting community on this one, as the game opened as a 16-point spread, and stayed right there.
Over/Under: -110
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Series History
UCLA have won four out of their last six games against Arizona.
- Nov 28, 2020 – UCLA 27 vs. Arizona 10
- Sep 28, 2019 – Arizona 20 vs. UCLA 17
- Oct 20, 2018 – UCLA 31 vs. Arizona 30
- Oct 14, 2017 – Arizona 47 vs. UCLA 30
- Oct 01, 2016 – UCLA 45 vs. Arizona 24
- Sep 26, 2015 – UCLA 56 vs. Arizona 30
