BSD Staff Predictions Roundtable: UCLA

The Lions head west to take on UCLA, licking their wounds after their first loss of the season. How does the staff see this one playing out?

Chris

As I said in this week’s Midweek Musings, despite the loss I did see some things from the offense late in the loss to Oregon. If they’ve sorted SOMEthing out on that side of the ball, this team can still be dangerous the rest of the way. It’s a long trip out to SoCal, and there’s the chance for a letdown after the emotional loss. But I actually think the Lions may have turned a corner in the 4th quarter of the game against Oregon – they appeared to be playing loose for the first time all season.

Penn State treks west, takes on the worst team in the conference, and walks out with a resounding rebound win.

Penn State 56, UCLA 7

Lando

I would love to sit here and say that this week will be a repeat of Illinois 2005, complete with DDS or Chaz Coleman murdering Nico like Tamba did to Tim Brasic.

I think a slow start is almost a guarantee, but eventually the superior talent wins out and Penn State wins comfortably, but not comfortably enough.

Penn State 31, UCLA 7

Tim

UCLA is clearly the worst team in the Big Ten and is neck-and-neck with Oklahoma State for the worst P4 team. With a cross-country trip and coming off an emotional loss to Oregon though, this has all the makings of a game where PSU sleepwalks through the first half and only leads 10-3 at halftime as the fan base loses their collective minds on the Internets, before going on to win by at least three touchdowns. “Defense travels” might be a phrase more commonly used in basketball, but I think it very much applies here, as the defense should be able to hold Nico Iamaleava and his lack of an army in check, while the offense clunks its way downfield, but ultimately puts up its share of points against a gassed Bruin defense.

Penn State 34, UCLA 10

Bennett

I see it playing out a lot like last year’s game in Happy Valley. Penn State controls the game and wins easily, but there’s nothing satisfying about it. Kaytron probably scores a short touchdown. That’s all I’ve got.

Penn State 27, UCLA 10

Colin

There will certainly be an emotional setback after the loss to Oregon in the White Out. Traveling across the country makes this an obvious letdown spot for Penn State. Fortunately for us, UCLA is the worst team in the conference and one of the worst power conference teams this season. It should be a slow start, especially on offense, but look for the talent differential to make itself known midway through the second quarter.

Penn State 31, UCLA 10

Patrick

UCLA is a really bad team, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they have some players opt out to preserve their redshirt this season. That, more than anything else, is why I think Penn State wins this one big. Plus, I actually think going to the Rose Bowl to play in front 35,000 fans (half of which are probably Penn State fans) is a good thing for the Nittany Lions at this point.

Penn State 45, UCLA 10

Jared

(First appearing in the Game Preview)

I had this game firmly circled as trap game heading into the season, considering Penn State would be following an emotional night game with a cross-country trip against a plucky Bruins squad looking to improve on its 5-7 record and go bowling in 2025. However, it now appears UCLA is far more likely to go completely winless.

The defense should do its job in shutting down UCLA’s offense, especially if it can prevent big plays by Iamaleava. However, the offense is likely to get off to another slow start unless they are able to build off the fourth quarter spark where they scored two quick touchdowns to send the Ducks into overtime. Let’s just say I have my doubts.

Penn State goes to halftime with a 7-0 lead, and put together a couple more drives to win a game that isn’t likely to be remembered long after the final whistle.

Penn State 24, UCLA 3