The UCLA Bruins will look to prove they can be a dominant team as they return home for their 2014 home opener against the Memphis Tigers.
No. 11 UCLA fell out of the top 10 after barely escaping Virginia on the road with a 28-20 victory. Their defense came through with three touchdowns as quarterback Brett Hundley was held to zero touchdown passes.
However, he managed to score a rushing touchdown. His struggles were largely because of the Bruins’ offensive line, which allowed the Cavaliers to get to him five times.
The Bruins defense had two interceptions and a fumble returned for touchdowns, and the rushing attack was led by Paul Perkins, who had 80 rushing yards on 16 carries.
They will look to re-establish themselves as a top college football team against Memphis, who beat Austin Peay, 63-0. This will be the Bruins’ home opener.
Quarterback Paxton Lynch had a great season debut with 242 yards and two touchdowns against one interception on 20-of-27 passing. He also added 34 yards on the ground with two touchdowns.
The running game excelled for the Tigers with 303 total rushing yards, led by Jarvis Cooper, who had 101 rushing yards and a touchdown on eight carries.
If the Tigers can catch the kind of breaks that the Cavaliers did against the Bruins, they may be able to stay competitive. They will face a major test against what appears to be a dangerous UCLA defense though.
Prediction: UCLA 34, Memphis 14
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