California @ UCLA preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 9, 2010 ) UCLA 7, California 35

THE STORY: Things couldn’t have gotten any worse for UCLA in its game at Arizona last week. Not only were the Bruins embarrassed on national television in a game they were supposed to have a strong chance of winning, but their frustration boiled over which resulted in a melee just before halftime. As a result, UCLA heads into its Pac-12 game against California at the Rose Bowl with six players suspended and its coach, Rick Neuheisel, seemingly counting the days before his own dismissal. California, on the other hand, snapped its three-game losing streak with a solid performance last week as the Golden Bears’ defense dominated undermanned Utah 34-10.

TV: Prime Ticket. LINE: California -4.5.

ABOUT CALIFORNIA (4-3, 2-3 Pac-12 North): California held Utah to 27 total yards in the first half. The Bears also got a passing touchdown and a rushing touchdown from dual-threat quarterback Zach Maynard. California will also get back cornerback Mark Anthony to bolster its improving defensive unit which is ranked 26th in the nation in total yards. Star linebacker Mychal Kendricks is questionable for the game. The Bears' conference wins have come against the newcomers to the league. California tipped Colorado in overtime for its lone road win of the season. The Bears walloped the Bruins 35-7 last year.

ABOUT UCLA (3-4, 2-2 Pac-12 South): The Bruins were pounded at Arizona 48-12 last week and the game was not as close as the score indicated. Arizona scored touchdowns all six times it had the ball in the first half and took its foot off the gas in the second half with two field goals. Had the Wildcats been inclined to do so, they could have hung 70 points on the lifeless Bruins. UCLA will play without four wide receivers this week, all of whom were suspended after the fight with Arizona players. Taylor Embree and Ricky Marvray are the most important players who will miss the game but all the suspended receivers have caught passes this season.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. The Golden Bears have won the last three meetings.

2. UCLA rushed for 37 yards on 25 carries against Arizona. The Bruins entered the game as one of the top rushing teams in the country.

3. With the suspensions, expect UCLA tight end Nelson Rosario to see a lot of passes come his way. Also, Jerry Rice Jr., son of the Pro Football Hall of Famer, will make his season debut.

PREDICTION: California 31, UCLA 24 - It’s hard to see UCLA playing as poorly as it did last week, but it’s just as hard to see them winning this one.