Ucla Bruins vs Fresno State Bulldogs Picks and Predictions November 30th 2024

UCLA Aims to End Disappointing Season on a High Note Against Fresno State

UCLA’s season didn’t unfold as hoped, with bowl eligibility slipping out of reach. Now, the Bruins will aim to close out their campaign on a positive note when they host Fresno State in a nonconference game Saturday afternoon.

UCLA: Seeking Redemption

First-year head coach DeShaun Foster is focused on rallying his team for one final effort after last week’s 19-13 loss to rival USC dashed their postseason aspirations.

The Bruins (4-7) battled valiantly against the Trojans, holding a 13-9 lead entering the fourth quarter, but stalled offensively in the final stretch. UCLA managed just one first down on their final three possessions, a recurring theme in a season where they struggled to close out games.

Foster remains committed to finishing strong, particularly for the seniors.

“The season is not over. They signed up to play ball, and we are going to finish the season on a good note,” Foster said. “We have to find a way to finish games … and put our stamp on the end of it.”

Key to UCLA’s offense is senior running back T.J. Harden, who leads the team with 734 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Quarterback Ethan Garbers has shown flashes of potential but has struggled with consistency, throwing for 1,589 yards, 10 touchdowns, and nine interceptions.

Fresno State: Riding Momentum

Fresno State (6-5) enters the matchup on a high after securing bowl eligibility with a hard-fought 28-22 win over Colorado State last week. The victory ensured the Bulldogs will play in the postseason for the fourth time in five years.

Freshman running back Bryson Donelson was the star of the show, rushing for 140 yards and a touchdown on just 12 carries. However, his status is uncertain after sustaining a leg injury late in the game. Fresno State head coach Tim Skipper indicated Donelson will be a game-time decision.
“Hopefully, he can go,” Skipper said.

In Donelson’s potential absence, the Bulldogs may lean more on quarterback Mikey Keene, who has passed for 2,384 yards and 19 touchdowns this season. Wide receiver Erik Brooks (862 yards, 8 TDs) has been a reliable target and will look to exploit UCLA’s secondary.

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Key Matchups

1. UCLA’s Defense vs. Mikey Keene
   The Bruins’ defense has been one of the few bright spots this season, allowing just 21.4 points per game. However, they’ll need to contain Keene and Fresno State’s passing attack to keep the Bulldogs from dictating the tempo.
2. Fresno State’s Run Game vs. UCLA’s Front Seven
   If Donelson is sidelined, Fresno State will have to adjust its ground attack. UCLA’s defensive line, led by Laiatu Latu (10 sacks), could capitalize on the Bulldogs’ uncertainty at running back.
3. UCLA’s Offense vs. Fresno State’s Opportunistic Defense
   The Bulldogs’ defense has forced 18 turnovers this season, and UCLA will need to avoid costly mistakes to sustain drives and generate points.

What’s at Stake

• UCLA: The Bruins are playing for pride and to send their seniors out with a win. Foster also has the opportunity to build momentum heading into his second year at the helm.
• Fresno State: With bowl eligibility already secured, the Bulldogs are looking to finish strong and improve their bowl placement.

The History

UCLA leads the all-time series 7-4, but Fresno State won their most recent meeting, a thrilling 40-37 victory in 2021.

Prediction

The game promises to be a hard-fought battle, with UCLA seeking redemption and Fresno State looking to maintain momentum. The Bruins will need to execute better in crunch time to avoid another disappointing finish, while the Bulldogs’ ability to adapt without Donelson could be a deciding factor.

Kickoff is set for Saturday afternoon at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, providing a stage for both teams to make one last impression this season.