If there’s one thing that favors the Colorado Buffaloes as they head to UCLA to take on the Bruins this Saturday, it’s that the UCLA defense has allowed 43.3 points per game this season – ranking 125th among the 130 FBS teams. The problem for Colorado? Their offense hasn’t exactly been firing on all cylinders. The Buffs’ 26.3 points per game puts them 88th overall among FBS schools, and that includes a pair of games against Texas State and Northern Colorado (FCS).
That should make Saturday’s matchup one to watch, says Yogi Roth of Pac-12 Networks.
“What I think is one of the most intriguing matchups of the weekend is UCLA hosting Colorado,” Roth says in his preview for the network, “and there’s a couple reasons why.”
“Number one, it’s the obvious for UCLA. It’s their defense,” Roth continues. “What’s been going on with this side of the ball? Forty-six missed tackles so far on the season. Not what [head coach] Jim Mora is accustomed to; not what we’re accustomed to when you watch one of Jim Mora’s defenses. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them continue to simplify their defense, allow themselves just to play extremely fast and extremely efficient.”
UCLA (2-2) has allowed at least 44 points in three of four games this season, including losses at Memphis and Stanford and a narrow home win over Texas A&M to open the season. Last week Stanford put up 58 points on the Bruins, including 21 in the fourth quarter.
Colorado (3-1), meanwhile, has some playmakers on offense in running back Phillip Lindsay and wide receivers Devin Ross, Shay Fields and Bryce Bobo. Unfortunately for the Buffs, that hasn’t always translated to big scoring. Colorado was held to just 10 points last week against No. 7 Washington.
“Now, the challenge for [UCLA] is they’re going up against an offense that has the potential in Colorado to be extremely explosive behind [quarterback] Steven Montez,” Roth says. “But, much like UCLA’s defense, Colorado’s offense has not found the consistency they’ve been seeking throughout this season. Now, they’ve done it at times, and I look forward to them finally putting it all together. If they can, this would be the weekend to do it.”
Montez was 21-for-27 for 171 yards against Washington, but was intercepted three times in the loss.
Which side can put it together best in that matchup – UCLA’s defense versus Colorado’s offense – will have a big edge in the game. However, Roth is still very interested in how things shape up on the other side, with one of the top quarterbacks in the country facing one of the top defensive backs.
“Regardless of that side of the ball, you’re going to enjoy watching Josh Rosen, one of the more special players in the country,” Roth says. “His competitive temperament has allowed UCLA to remain in these ballgames where their defense has faltered. Look forward to watching him go up against a really aggressive defense, and specifically at corner, who I think is the top corner in the country in Isaiah Oliver.”
These two sides are fairly evenly matched, so expect a competitive game on both sides. Kickoff at the Rose Bowl is 8:30 p.m. MDT Saturday on ESPN2.
