Arizona at UCLA Football Game Thread: Another Must Win Game for Jim Mora

Another week, another game that is a must win for UCLA if the Bruins are to stay alive in the race for the Pac-12 South division crown and a spot at the conference title game at Levi's Stadium (presumably against the Oregon Ducks). It's either win or resign ourselves to playing in a third- or fourth-tier bowl game that no one cares about. It's been an underwhelming season, with the Bruins coming off a close road win over a sorry Colorado team they should have blown out - but there's still some hope alive.

The Arizona Wildcats Mildcats come to the Southland at 6-1 on the season, boasting an impressive 31-24 victory over the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium and find themselves at #12 in the College Football Playoff rankings. The only thing between them and being undefeated and presumably a spot in the top five was a narrow 28-26 loss to Southern Cal two weeks ago. Arizona isn't really up to play defense, but with an offense that averages 40.57 points per game, they've been able to just outscore everyone, including the Berkeley Bears in a 49-45 shoot-out. The Bruins will have to find a way to slow down Arizona if they want to have a chance.

Most importantly, the Bruins need to prove they can win at the Rose Bowl - they currently find themselves in a two-game losing streak in Pasadena and they've been their own worst enemy in every game they've played. They were fortunate to escape Boulder with a win against a vastly inferior opponent, but they'll need to clean up the penalties, execute on offense, and slow down the Mildcat offense is they want to keep their season alive.

Kick-off is set for 7:30 p.m. PT on ESPN. If you need to get caught up on our opponent, you can check out the previews of the Arizona coaching staff and special teams unit, their offense, and the Mildcat defense. Finally, if you haven't chimed in Achilles' pregame guesses thread, you still have a bit of time before things get underway under the lights at the Arroyo Seco.

It's another must-win for Jim Mora and the UCLA football team today. This is your Arizona at UCLA football open thread, so fire away in the comment thread with your thoughts, comments, and observations as we tune in to see our Bruins take on Arizona.

GO BRUINS