Pregame Guesses: UCLA Bruin Football versus UC Berkeley

Although the UCLA Bruin Football team is 0-5 for the first time since 1943, many Bruin fans have hope after UCLA’s spirited performance against the now #7 Washington Huskies. Next up on the slate for the Bruins is the UC Berkeley Golden Bears on the road at Memorial Stadium.

UC Berkeley (3-2, 0-2 PAC 12) has lost its last two games, at home against #19 Oregon, 42-24, and on the road at Arizona, 24-17. Before that, things seemed seemed chipper as the Golden Bears started off the season 3-0 with wins against North Carolina, BYU, and Idaho State.

Which team will UCLA get this weekend in Strawberry Canyon?

So many Bay Area bands to choose from. . . hmmmmm. I am going to pick two from two different eras, 90s and 70s.

Written off as Red Hot Chili Pepper wannabees, Faith No More was more than the one hit wonder many believe them to be. But, if they could be considered to be a one hit wonder, this would be that one hit. Here is “Epic”:

Going further back in time for another Bay Area nugget, one finds the great and classic Steve Miller Band. So many excellent songs to choose from this artist, but I am picking “Take the Money and Run”:

I hope that you enjoyed these selections from artists from the Bay Area (actually both acts are from San Francisco, but that is just across the Bay from UC Berkeley).

Moving on to the guesses . . .

UCLA’s offensive line had its best performance last weekend against U-Dub and the fruits of that performance include junior running back Joshua Kelley’s best showing in a UCLA uniform. Kelley carried the ball 20 times for 125 yards, and also caught three passes for an additional 39 yards. And he scored his first UCLA touchdown, giving the Bruins a glimmer of hope down seven and the prayer of an onside kick.

Although the onside kick didn’t work out, Kelley, aided by the o-line, showed well against the Huskies’ now-41st rated rushing defense, which now allows 129.8 rushing yards per game. In fact, UCLA’s rushing performance actually lowered the NCAA ranking of Washington’s pretty good rushing D—when was the last time that has happened? The days of Paul Perkins? Berkeley is ranked #60 in rushing defense, allowing 155.8 yards per game on the ground. Kelley could be primed for another big day.

PREGAME GUESS #1: How many touches (rushing carries and receptions) will Joshua Kelley have and how many total yards (on the ground and in the air) will he gain against the Berkeley defense?

Berkeley has a conundrum at quarterback. Chase Garbers, who started the first three games (all wins) has given way to dual threat QB Brandon McIlwain, who has put up gaudy numbers. He leads the team in passing yardage—545 yards— and rushing yardage—359 yards—in two losses. McIllwain also had two interceptions returned for touchdowns last weekend, which was instrumental in the 24-17 loss to Arizona.

We all know how UCLA does against QBs that can rush the ball (hint: not good). And with Khalil Tate coming to town next weekend, might it be a good time for the Bruins to gameplan against a running QB? Or might UCLA see Garbers?

PREGAME GUESS #2: Which quarterback starts against UCLA? How many rushing yards does that quarterback get?

Not too much thought on this two-parter. Who wins the first half and who wins the game?

PREGAME GUESS #3: Predict the halftime score and predict the final score.

As always, thank you for reading and please make your guesses in the comment section below.

Go Bruins!!!