Pregame Guesses: UCLA Bruins vs. UNLV Rebels

Welcome to the 2016 Pregame Guesses, version 2.0. As fans, it's time to forget about last week and turn the page.

But first, one last note from last week. We had fifteen folks make guesses. Only two guessed all three questions correctly. Congratulations are in order for NicoG and Changito. A further shout out to Changito is warranted for not only predicting one TD reception (which was the answer to question #3), but also predicting that A&M's QB would run for a score. You hit the nail on the head, sir. Well done.

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Although the Bruins face UNLV at the Rose Bowl this week, I was in Vega$ last year for the game and was not able to do the Pregame Guesses, which were adroitly handled by Bruinette88. Had I done PGG, however, I would have made a different music selection. And since the Bruins don't play UNLV in the foreseeable future after Saturday, I'm going with what I would have selected last year even though the game is in Pasadena, not Las Vegas. Doing a cover version of Elvis Presley's' hit, it's the Dead Kennedys doing "Viva Las Vegas:"

This wacky cover is strange because it was released on one of the iconic punk albums of the early 80s, the DK's debut album, "Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables." The rest of the album is harder and makes strong political statements.

Because the song is so wacky, I chose the version that was set to scenes from the movie, "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas," rather that a still shot of the album's cover, depicting burning cars during the White Night Riots in May, 1979. It seemed more appropriate.

Onto the guesses . . .

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After lighting it up last year in the Rose Bowl in his UCLA debut versus Virginia, Josh Rosen had a decent but not spectacular game a week later against the Rebels at Sam Boyd Stadium. Rosen threw for 223 yards with 22 completions on 42 attempts. He threw for one touchdown and had an interception. Now, with a year more of experience and playing at home, Rosen appears to be set for a big game.

Who knows about UNLV? It's hard to gauge the strength of a team when it plays the likes of FCS Jackson State, which the Rebels did last weekend, and drubs them 63-13. The first pregame guess is a two parter.

PREGAME GUESS #1: How many yards will Rosen throw for tomorrow against the UNLV defense (if you are within ten yards of the actual yardage, I will consider the guess to be correct); also, how many touchdowns will Rosen throw tomorrow? UCLA could rely on superior athleticism, keeps its cards to the vest, and run the ball a lot tomorrow. Also, if UCLA gets a big lead, there might be a Mike Fafaul sighting, so there are a lot of factors that go into the equation for this question.

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Last season, UCLA was on its way to pitching shut out deep into the fourth quarter, when UNLV picked off a Jerry Neuheisel pass and ran it back to the UCLA 14 yard line. After three plays netted UNLV zero yards, the Rebels kicked a field goal, spoiling the shut out (through no fault of the defense) with 3:04 left in the game.

UCLA's defense appears to be stronger this season, and the Bruins are at home. UNLV put up a lot of points last week, but that was a home to Jackson State.

PREGAME GUESS #2: Guess number 2 pertains to the amount points UNLV will score tomorrow. I am setting the over/under at 13. Will UNLV score more or less than 13 points against UCLA tomorrow evening?

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The UCLA defense had two takeaways last week. Tahaan Goodman forced a fumble by punching the ball loose in the first quarter and Adarius Pickett, in a breakout game, had an interception in the third quarter, among other excellent plays. I hope to see the UCLA defense play more aggressively this week and pressure UNLV into several turnovers.

PREGAME GUESS #3: How many turnovers will the UCLA defense force this week?

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Here's a BONUS GUESS: UCLA is 0-1, UNLV is not a premier opponent, and school is not in session for a few more weeks. What will be the attendance at the Rose Bowl on Saturday?

And, finally, we have this week's Prediction Widget, powered by The Crowd's Line! Just enter your prediction of the final score into the widget.

That wraps up week 2 of this week's Pregame Guesses. Enter your answers in the comment section below.

To everyone who is heading to the Rose Bowl tomorrow, please keep it safe and enjoy the game!

Go Bruins!!!