Washington Huskies (3-5) vs. UCLA Bruins (3-5)
Saturday, November 7, 1:30 PM PST
Las Vegas Favorite: UCLA -4.0

Sam’s Take (39 – 15):

The Washington Huskies have lost 10 straight road games, and they haven’t beaten the Bruins in Pasadena since 1995. Meanwhile, UCLA is looking to win their first conference game of the season in an effort to keep their bowl hopes alive for 2009. Let’s call this one the “Desperation Bowl”, as the loser is likely staying home for the holidays.

So who has the edge? A healthy Jake Locker would sway me Washington’s way, but I’m not convinced that he will be himself on Saturday. It certainly helps that UW runs a pro-style offense (allowing Locker to stay in the pocket and limit the strain on his thigh), but will the o-line give him time to throw (UW ranked 83rd nationally in sacks allowed)? I think much of the offensive burden will fall on RB Chris Polk, who must have a big game in order to take the pressure off of Locker.

Bruins QB Kevin Prince has re-asserted himself as the starter for this UCLA team. Prince engineered a great second half comeback that came up just short against Oregon State, and now it appears that he is gaining confidence again. Washington ranks 101st nationally against the pass, meaning Prince should have plenty of opportunities to make some big plays on Saturday.

While the Bruins defense has not looked as ferocious in conference play as it did against Tennessee, the talent is still there. If Locker’s accuracy is missing, I fully expect S Rahim Moore (NCAA-best 7 INTs) and CB Alterraun Verner to take advantage.

In the end I think Rick Neuheisel finds a way to beat his old team, which will set the Bruins up for a realistic shot at a December bowl game (@WSU, ASU, @USC with two wins needed).

Prediction: UCLA 28 – Washington 23

Washington Player to Keep an Eye On: WR Jermaine Kearse – Kearse is an explosive athlete who has made a habit of reeling off 20+ yard catches throughout the season. I expect a stationary Jake Locker to look his way even more this week.

UCLA Player to Keep an Eye On: WR Nelson Rosario - The physically imposing Rosario had a breakout game against OSU (6 rec. 152 yards 1 TD), and he will try to build on that performance this week.

Dave’s Take (42 – 12):

Washington has been a tough team to figure out this year. The combined record of the three opponents Washington has beaten is 18-6, including two top-tier Pac-10 teams (USC and Arizona). Then again, they are only 3-5, including an 0-3 record on the road.

But is UCLA any easier to figure out? After starting off the season 3-0 including the big win over Tennessee. Since, they are 0-5 in the conference. A terrible run no doubt, but @Stanford, Oregon, Cal, @Arizona, @Oregon State is a pretty brutal schedule.

We do know that these two teams along with ASU round out the 7-9 teams in the conference, but the next few weeks will determine in exactly what order they fall.

I really don’t know how this one will play out, but I have to go with UCLA. I’m leaning that way for two reasons; Jake Locker’s deep thigh bruise, and UCLA’s home field advantage. UCLA’s defensive line is going to get its share of contact on Locker, and I have a feeling that the injury will hinder Locker’s ability to find his groove.

Should be a very good game, and the pressure is on Kevin Prince and the Bruins offense to help their defense out and keep the team’s bowl hopes alive.

Prediction: UCLA 21 – Washington 17