The Bruins are back in Los Angeles this week to take on New Mexico State. The team came through a very challenging week, both on and off the field, and succeeded at the highest level at both. I agree with gbruin that this game was the UCLA's best game ever. This week, will be another emotional week as our men return to the home crowd and the Rose Bowl where clearly fans will want to celebrate the life of Nick Pasquale and the team.

There's been a lot of talk this week of this team being our best since the McNown years, so I thought it would be fun to look at some old highlights. I remember feeling so excited about Freddie Mitchell and how sad it was when he got injured. What a talent! So here's the 1st half of the 1998 Texas @ UCLA game, thanks to youtuber VideoLonghorn.

Thursday and Friday games: In the mean time we have two games to end the week (yes a light schedule):

Thursday night: #3 Clemson takes on NC State at 4:30 PST on ESPN.

Friday night: Boise State vs. Fresno State, 6pm PST, ESPN.

UCLA vs. New Mexico State Watch Parties: (Saturday, 7:30 pm on the Pac-12 network)

Each week before a game we create an open thread where you can post viewing parties or organize one with others. Organizing a watch party is a great way to meet up with other Bruins in your area.

If you do know of a watch party in your area or want to organize one, let us know in the comment section. Please include the place, the time, if one needs to RSVP, and if there is any contact information or a link to a website that would help folks connect. Also, let us know if this is an ongoing watch party so that we can add it to our regular watch party list.

You will want to make sure that the place you plan to go to has our game. Many establishments do not carry the Pac-12 network, so be sure that the appropriate channel is available.

Here are some viewing parties being organized by local UCLA Alumni networks and others with links for more details.

• San Francisco Bay area:
  • PENINSULALocation:
    The Old Pro, sports bar(www.oldpropa.com)
    541 Ramona Ave., Palo Alto
    Host: Jerry
    RSVP to:Jerry.Fuqua@alumni.ucla.edu
  • EAST BAYLocation:
    The Stadium Pub(www.the stadiumpub.com)
    1420 Lincoln Avenue, Walnut Creek
    Host: Rich
    RSVP to:uclanowicz@gmail.com

• New York Tri-State: Smithfield NYC, 215 W. 28th St.
• Washington D.C.: Laughing Man Tavern, 1306 G St. NW
• Phoenix: Half Moon Sports Grill - 2121 E Highland Ave, Phoenix, AZ Questions? Email arizonaburins@gmail.com

There are many local alumni networks here. You might want to get in touch with a group and help organize a watch party with them in your area. If you do, let us know in this thread.

Okay. Here we go! This is your Thursday and Friday Night Football open thread.

GO BRUINS!