North Carolina Central vs. No. 24 UCLA: Who has the edge?
NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL (2-0) vs. No. 24 UCLA (2-0)
TV/radio: Pac-12 Network / 570 AM, 1150 AM
Line: N/A
Notable injuries: North Carolina Central: N/A, UCLA: QUESTIONABLE: WR Titus Mokiao-Atimalala (undisclosed); DOUBTFUL: LB Ale Kaho (undisclosed),
What’s at stake? The Bruins have the opportunity to go 8-1 against nonconference opponents since the start of the 2021 season. UCLA can also go 3-0 in nonconference play for a second straight season. It will be just the second time the Bruins have played against an HBCU, having played Alabama State last season.
Who’s better? UCLA has more talent and depth at its disposal for the matchup but North Carolina Central quarterback Davius Richard and defensive back Khalil Baker are players to watch and are considered to be among the top HBCU players, according to ESPN. Kelly referred to both players as NFL prospects and isn’t willing to overlook NCCU just because it’s an FCS program.
Matchup to watch: UCLA receiver J. Michael Sturdivant vs. defensive back Khalil Baker. It’s likely that Baker will be tasked with defending Sturdivant, who is a vertical threat for the Bruins, in open space. Sturdivant had five catches for 136 yards and a touchdown in his UCLA debut but was limited to two catches and 23 yards last week against San Diego State. Sturdivant could be in line for another breakout game.
UCLA wins if: The Bruins play a mistake-free game and do not take the opponent lightly. Kelly’s team will begin Pac-12 play next week against back-to-back conference champion Utah, but can’t look too far ahead to that game. Edge rusher Laiatu Latu and the defense must continue to build off a successful outing against San Diego State last week. NCCU has to apply pressure on true freshman quarterback Dante Moore and force turnovers that could put the ball back in the hands of Richard and the Eagles’ offense.
Prediction: UCLA 45, North Carolina Central 14. The Bruins should produce a dominant performance and the starters should be out of the game by halftime. This game could serve as a final audition for some of the primary backups, in search of playing time going forward, to solidify a role within the rotation.
