No. 25 UCLA (4-2 overall, 1-2 Pac-12) at Stanford (2-4, 1-3)
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Stanford Stadium
TV/radio: ESPN/570 AM
Line: UCLA by 17
Notable injuries: STANFORD: OUT: S Jimmy Wyrick (undisclosed); DOUBTFUL: WR John Humphreys (knee); QUESTIONABLE: TE Benjamin Yurosek (upper body). UCLA: DOUBTFUL: QB Collin Schlee (upper body); QUESTIONABLE: LB Ale Kaho (undisclosed), WR Titus Mokiao-Atimalala (undisclosed).
What’s at stake?: The Bruins have struggled on the road in conference play against Oregon State and Utah. A victory keeps the Bruins’ dim conference title chances alive. The Bruins, who have played the Cardinal every year since 1946, lead the all-time series 48-43-3.
Who’s better?: UCLA has more talent this season as Stanford continues to rebuild following the resignation of David Shaw after 12 years at the helm, in late November last year. First-year coach Troy Taylor arrived to find just six returning starters while also needing to replace quarterback Tanner McKee, a two-year starter who is now with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Matchup to watch: UCLA’s cornerbacks vs. Stanford’s receivers. Wide receiver Elic Ayomanor was productive in the second half of the Cardinal’s wild comeback victory over Colorado last week. The 6-foot-2 sophomore recorded 13 catches for 294 yards and three touchdowns. Cornerback Jaylin Davies was been an impact player in the UCLA secondary, with 19 tackles, an interception and four pass breakups.
UCLA wins if: The Bruins will have success if they limit their turnovers while having the defense create turnovers and extra possessions. Quarterback Dante Moore must minimize his mistakes while leading the offense downfield. The true freshman has struggled throughout the first half of his first three conference games this season.
Prediction: UCLA 27, Stanford 10. The Bruins will have a bounce-back game and pick up their first conference road victory this season.