UCLA football (1-1, 0-1 Big Ten) is set to face a major challenge as they travel to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to take on No. 16 LSU (2-1, 1-0 SEC) this Saturday. This matchup marks the beginning of a daunting stretch of three consecutive games against ranked opponents. The game will take place at Tiger Stadium, known for its difficult environment, often referred to as “Death Valley.”
Sports editor Ira Gorawara and assistant Sports editors Connor Dullinger and Kai Dizon, along with senior staff writer Shrey Chaganlal, have shared their predictions for the game.
Ira Gorawara predicts a lopsided contest, favoring LSU 45-10. He notes that UCLA has struggled with confidence after a disappointing loss to Indiana, which was amplified by the poor performance of their defense. Opponents have scored on UCLA every time they reached the red zone, and injuries within the team, particularly among their defensive line, pose additional challenges. Gorawara believes LSU will dominate the game given UCLA’s current state.
Connor Dullinger sees a slightly closer match but still favors LSU with a prediction of 41-20. He acknowledges that while LSU hasn’t played to its typical standards either, the Bruins will remain heavy underdogs. Dullinger emphasizes that LSU’s offense, particularly standout wide receiver Kyren Lacy, will likely exploit UCLA’s weaknesses. He believes that Tiger Stadium will provide a significant advantage for LSU.
Kai Dizon predicts an even more convincing victory for LSU, estimating a score of 56-17. He points to the Bruins’ rocky start to the season and their struggles against Indiana as signs of a team in disarray. UCLA’s quarterback play and lack of offensive cohesion raise concerns, and Dizon expects LSU to take full advantage of these vulnerabilities.
Shrey Chaganlal predicts a win for LSU 37-16, citing UCLA’s inability to find the end zone with only two touchdowns scored so far this season. He suggests that while LSU faced a tough game against South Carolina, they still have a more explosive offense. Chaganlal expresses hope for an upset but recognizes that UCLA’s stagnant performance on both sides of the ball makes a victory unlikely.
As the Bruins prepare for this critical matchup, they will need to overcome significant obstacles to compete against the well-established program of LSU.