Washington Huskies vs Ucla Bruins Picks and Predictions November 15th 2024

Washington Huskies and UCLA Bruins Battle for Bowl Eligibility in High-Stakes Black-Out Game

The Washington Huskies (5-5, 3-4) are gearing up for a pivotal Friday night clash against the UCLA Bruins (4-5, 3-4) under the blacked-out skies of Husky Stadium. In a season that’s had its share of ups and downs, both teams face a must-win scenario as they eye bowl eligibility. With the pressure mounting and fans set to fill the stands in black attire, Washington will look to reverse its recent luck in themed games and keep their undefeated home streak alive.

Huskies’ Struggles in Themed Games

Washington enters the game after a tough 28-13 loss at Penn State’s famous “white-out” night, a recurring theme in their season. The Huskies have struggled on the road in color-themed games, including a black-out loss to Rutgers and a stripe-out defeat at Iowa. But playing at home has been a different story, with the Huskies posting a flawless 5-0 record at Husky Stadium. For Washington, a win would secure bowl eligibility, something they desperately need with their final game of the regular season looming against No. 1 Oregon.

Despite a quick turnaround from their Saturday night return, head coach Jedd Fisch remains optimistic. “Some great uniforms coming out,” Fisch said. “So excited about that.” The excitement is tempered by the reality of a short preparation week, a “cram session” as Fisch described it, with the coaching staff taking full advantage of any downtime they can get.

Will Rogers’ Redemption Opportunity

Huskies quarterback Will Rogers, who has seen an up-and-down season, will likely get the start on Friday after being benched in favor of freshman Demond Williams Jr. at halftime against Penn State. Rogers was a solid 10-for-13 in the first half, but Washington’s offense struggled to put points on the board.

Fisch defended his senior quarterback, saying, “Will was a victim of circumstances a little bit,” but fans and analysts alike are wondering if Rogers can bring the spark needed to help Washington overcome their scoring drought. With UCLA’s defense riding high after a three-game winning streak, Rogers will need to find ways to generate offense early to keep the Huskies in control.

UCLA’s Unique Approach and Recent Momentum

UCLA arrives in Seattle riding a three-game winning streak, highlighted by a recent 20-17 win over Iowa. Head coach Deshaun Foster has crafted an unconventional strategy, treating home games like road games to keep his team’s focus sharp. This approach paid dividends last week as the Bruins pulled off a gritty win at the Rose Bowl, their first home victory in four attempts this season.

“I didn’t want to make too big of a deal about us being back home,” Foster said, “but we kind of treated this game like a road game. I just think my guys, they came out and they earned the right to win.”

For UCLA, a win against Washington would not only extend their streak but would put them within striking distance of a bowl game with matchups against USC and Fresno State remaining. Given their current momentum and defensive prowess, the Bruins are well-positioned to make a run.

Ethan Garbers’ Homecoming

The game is also a homecoming for UCLA quarterback Ethan Garbers, who began his collegiate career at Washington in 2020. Garbers, who was recognized as Washington’s offensive scout squad MVP before transferring to UCLA, is eager to showcase his development in front of his former fans. His familiarity with Husky Stadium could provide an edge as he leads the Bruins into this high-stakes matchup.

Key Factors to Watch

Washington’s Home Advantage: The Huskies have been dominant at home this season, going 5-0 at Husky Stadium. With a strong crowd behind them and the added energy of the black-out theme, Washington will look to leverage their home-field advantage.

Will Rogers’ Performance: After a challenging outing at Penn State, Rogers will be under pressure to deliver. If he can find rhythm early, it could shift momentum in Washington’s favor. However, if UCLA’s defense contains him, Fisch may look to Williams Jr. as an option.

UCLA’s Defensive Tenacity: The Bruins’ defense has been instrumental in their recent wins, and maintaining that intensity will be crucial against Washington’s offensive threats. Expect UCLA to apply pressure on Rogers, particularly if Washington’s offensive line shows any signs of vulnerability.

Ethan Garbers vs. His Former Team: Garbers’ familiarity with Washington’s system could prove advantageous, and his performance may set the tone for UCLA’s offense. Look for him to target Washington’s secondary, testing their ability to adapt to his passing game.

Playoff Pressure and Bowl Eligibility: With bowl eligibility on the line for both teams, each possession could be pivotal. Washington knows that a win on Friday would secure their spot, whereas UCLA is just as eager to keep their postseason hopes alive.

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Game Outlook

The stakes couldn’t be higher as Washington and UCLA face off under the lights at Husky Stadium. For Washington, securing a bowl berth at home would be a reward for a season full of challenges. For UCLA, a road win would continue their upward trajectory, especially with two tough matchups ahead. Both teams are expected to come out aggressive, but the outcome may hinge on which quarterback can establish control early and which defense can stymie their opponent’s rhythm.

With the Huskies’ perfect home record and the Bruins’ recent hot streak, Friday’s game is shaping up to be a battle of momentum versus home-field advantage. As fans don black attire and the teams take the field, expect an electrifying atmosphere as these two teams fight for their postseason dreams.