The UCLA Bruins (3-3) will face off against the Stanford Cardinal (3-2) at the Rose Bowl today at 4 p.m. in what will be their season finale. According to ESPN, UCLA has a 65.9 percent chance of winning. Here are some key matchups and final analysis to look out for prior to kickoff.
David Mills Vs UCLA’s defense
Since his Covid-related absence in the Cardinal season opener, Stanford quarterback David Mills has posted a QBR of 78.2 and has yet to throw a single interception in his four games as a starter. The Bruins defense, who is ranked second in the conference with six interceptions, will look to end this streak and add on to their turnover rate this season. They will also look to pressure Mills throughout the night after leading the Pac-12 with 21 sacks.
UCLA’s Rushing Attack Vs Stanford’s Rush Defense
The Stanford defense has allowed 208.2 rushing yards per game. This is good news for the Bruins offense as they have averaged 220.5 rushing yards a game behind the legs of Dorian Thompson-Robinson, Demetric Felton, and Brittain Brown. Look for Chip Kelly to take advantage of Stanford’s weakness early on. Look out for UCLA’s passing game against Stanford’s passing defense (221.6 ypg).
Key Storyline
Defensive back Obi Eboh will return to action after missing last week’s game against USC. This matchup is the graduate transfer’s first game against his alma mater Stanford. Eboh has 19 tackles and two sacks this season.
UCLA Will Win If…
As long as the Bruins offense and defense play up to their recent standards then they can come up victorious. This game will ultimately come down to how well Mills can handle UCLA’s defense and if Stanford’s defense will be able to handle UCLA’s offense.
Kelly has already made it known that UCLA will not accept any Bowl invitations. So this game will be his team’s final game of the shortened season. A Bruin win will end their season at 4-3 making this the first season they finished above .500 since 2015.
UCLA Bruins quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (1) attempts a pass in the fourth quarter; Cal at UCLA, November 30, 2019, Los Angeles, CA. Photo Credit: Steve Cheng | Under Creative Commons License