On The Road At UCLA

 On The Road At UCLA

After a much needed bye week the Huskies are on their way to the Rose Bowl to face the UCLA Bruins.

The Bruins are ranked 9th in the PAC-10.  The only opponent both teams have played against has been Arizona.  The Huskies were victorious (36-33) over the Wildcats with the great off the shoe interception late in the 4th quarter.  The Bruins lost to Arizona 13 - 27.

The Bruins Rankings in the PAC-10

• Scoring Offense 9th
• Rushing Offense 9th
• Rushing Defense 8th
• Pass Offense 9th
• Total Offense 9th
• Pass Defense 2nd
• Total Defense 5th

The University of Washington Huskies Rankings in the PAC-10

• Scoring Offense 8th
• Rushing Offense  8th
• Rushing Defense  9th
• Pass Offense  3rd
• Total Offense  7th
• Pass Defense  7th
• Total Defense  9th

RealUWHUSKIESFan Keys to the Game

Looking at the standings it looks like the keys of the game will be:

1. 
   
   
   How well can the the Huskies 8th ranked rushing offense match up with the Bruins 8th ranked rushing defense.  If Polk continues to pick up extra yards with his consistent effort I give the edge to the Huskies.
   
   
   
   
2. 
   
   
   Locker and the passing game.  The Bruins have the 2nd ranked pass defense but Locker is due for a big game.  With the rest received from the bye week I am excited to see him and the young receivers  play!
   
   
   
   
3. 
   
   Who wants it more?  Washington's 9th ranked defense or UCLA's 9th ranked offense.  During the by week Washington focused on the defense and tried some new looks:
   
   
   
   Moving Anthony Boyles to Corner Back possibly opposite Trufant.  This could work out and be a long-term solution.  Anthony Boyles would be a rare 6'3 CB, his natural size and athletic ability would be a great step forward of stepping up the Huskies 7th ranked pass defense.  Alvin Logan playing at OLB. and Jason Well (S) is back!

GAME PREDICTION

The Huskies are averaging 24 points per game to the Bruins 20.  Even though the Bruins have the 5th ranked defense they are still giving up 355 yards per game.  Washington is averaging 365 yards of offense per game so the game is going to come down to 10 yards.  So which team wants it more? A battle of 10 yards and I feel Washington can pick up those 10 yards with their running game.  The Huskies running game has been hot and cold at times.  The bye week should provide fresh legs for the 8th ranked rushing offense.  The linemen should have more practice time on the areas of struggle.  I also look at that fact the Huskies will not be facing a top ranked defensive line this week.  The Bruins have the 8th ranked rushing defense and that will work in the favor of the Huskies.  Look for the rushing game to move the ball down the field and help with the time of possession battle.  This will keep the defense off the field in the first half and ensure a charged up energy level in the fourth quarter to bring home the Huskies third victory in the PAC-10, giving them a .500 record and advancing them one step closer to qualifying for a bowl game.

Huskies by 7 points.

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