College Football Predictions: UCLA vs. Arizona Preview

Written by Jake Thompson
Wednesday, 19 October 2011 16:36

Score predictions are ready as we preview Thursday’s college football game between UCLA and Arizona.

The UCLA Bruins (3-3) and the Arizona Wildcats (1-5) haven’t had the best of seasons thus far, but one team will improve on Thursday and our college football predictions will let you know who gets the victory.  The home team in this head-to-head Pac-12 rivalry has covered the point spread in 6 of the last 8 meetings, and the Wildcats are currently the 4-point wagering favorite as they get set to host UCLA.

Arizona has won the last 4 against UCLA while covering the point spread in every single game.  The Wildcats won each game by a touchdown or more but they’ve had a disappointing season this year thanks to a defense that doesn’t do much defending.  Arizona gives up 37.5 points per game on nearly 300 passing and 200 rushing yards.  Although some of the horrible statistics can be attributed to having to play Oklahoma State, Stanford, Oregon, and USC, the Wildcats also gave up 37 points last time out to an Oregon State team that managed to score just 28 against Sacramento State.

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The UCLA defense also has some issues statistically despite facing much lesser offenses.  The Bruins are allowing 32.2 points per game while giving up nearly 230 passing and 180 rushing yards a game.  UCLA quarterback Richard Brehaut (935 yards, 55.5%, 6 TD, 0 INT) is out for around a month with a fractured lower leg, and backup Kevin Prince (257 yards, 60.9%, 2 TD, 4 INT) has made some poor decisions with the ball since taking over.  The UCLA offense has a nice running game and should be able to move the ball, but ultimately it will be up to Prince to find the right receiver.

Arizona’s offense only runs for 71.8 yards per game and it doesn’t appear they will be able to take advantage of the glaring weakness in UCLA’s rush defense.  That being said, quarterback Nick Foles (2250 yards, 71.5%, 15 TD, 4 INT) leads an Arizona attack that throws for nearly 400 yards.  UCLA's secondary better come prepared or they will be in for a long day against a very accurate quarterback.

The Wildcats have averaged over 30 points a game over their last 4 against the Bruins, and I think Arizona can put up a similar number on Thursday.  UCLA is capable of putting up a similar score, but it really just depends on Prince being able to avoid costly turnovers.  This one comes down to the wire and I’m calling for Arizona to get a last-second field goal to win by a single point in a game that could go either way.

UCLA vs. Arizona Score Predictions:

UCLA 30

Arizona 31