After coming off losses to group of 5 teams, many pundits believe these two teams are on the brink of having their seasons spiral out of control. This is a reactionary exaggeration made by emotionally-charged fans disguised as sports writers. Both Memphis and San Diego State are high-caliber teams who are in contention to make it to a New Year’s Six bowl game. This may be considered a must-win game for a week 4 matchup, but to claim this game will make or break either team’s season because of a road loss to Memphis (UCLA) or San Diego State (Stanford) is a hysterical overstatement. The truth of the matter is that both of these teams are in the middle of a short rebuilding process. Neither of the coaches will ever acknowledge this reality. Neither team is nationally ranked going into the game for the first time since 2009. Stanford has lost two of its first three games for the first time since 2008, which was also the last time the Cardinal lost to UCLA. In addition, it is apparent UCLA or Stanford were never good enough to compete for a PAC-12 title to begin with, but that is not necessarily the worst thing in the world. Stanford and UCLA are both good teams that have multiple talented young players playing key position whom lack the maturity to take the next step. Both of these teams need to win this game to overcome their losses last week where UCLA and Stanford folded down the stretch during the championship minutes of the 4th quarter. In response to this loss, both of these experienced coaches will learn a lot more about their teams in this huge in state conference battle.

If this game has major significance to anyone, it’s to Jim Mora. Mora has had his failures against Stanford and they loom like a dark cloud over his hot seat. Added to the fact, is the harsh the reality that the UCLA program has taken a step back over the past few years, despite starting a generational talent at quarterback. A win against Stanford would certainly get the monkey off of Mora’s back.

Without Josh Rosen, UCLA would be a total shit show. Rosen easily been the best quarterback in the country, throwing a nation leading 13 touchdown passes and averaging 426 yards per game. He’s doing this while playing behind a below average offensive line, a mediocre run game, a terrible defense, and throwing to receivers who have shown inconsistencies catching the ball. Aside from two interceptions against Memphis, Josh Rosen has been pretty near perfect. Rosen has the talent to single-handedly make the Bruins competitive in every game this season, and to give them a chance to win. UCLA will certainly need a miraculous performance by Josh Rosen to upset the Cardinal in Palo Alto.

The Cardinal defensive unit does not come close to playing the part of the typical Stanford defense. The Stanford defense have given up an average of 406 yards and 23 points per game this season. Without their opening game against Rice, those stats would look a lot worse. Unlike the typical Cardinal defense, Stanford has struggled defending the run and getting to the quarterback. USC rushed for 306 yards against Stanford and San Diego State’s Rashaad Penny ran for 175 yards against the Stanford defense. UCLA’s run defense is nothing to be scared of, but if UCLA can create any type of running game, Stanford does not have a chance to stop Josh Rosen. In addition, Stanford’s talented secondary has not performed well against the one quality QB they faced in Sam Darnold.

The UCLA defense has been as mediocre as Josh Rosen has been sensational. The Bruins rank 122 out of 129 in total defense. The Bruins have surrendered a staggering 515 yards and 38.3 points per game this season. UCLA has not been physical at the point of attack and has not shown any ability to stop the run game. Stanford’s offensive line is not as dominant as they have in the past, but they are still pretty good. They should be able take advantage of the UCLA front seven, especially without Jaelan Phillips suiting up for UCLA. Stanford running back Bryce Love is a sensational talent who may be the most electrifying player in open space. Look for Stanford to kill UCLA with the run game and keep the ball out of Rosen’s hands.

Final analysis is that this will be an epic offensive matchup between two California schools. This game does not contain the same amount of hype as it has had in years past, but it should be very entertaining late-night game. Josh Rosen is going to put on a show and will add to his case for being the best QB in the country. Bryce Love will have a breakout party and make Stanford fans miss Christian McCaffrey a little less. Betting advice for the game is simply to take the over at 59. Again, life is too short to take the under, but realistically this line is a steal and you should hammer it accordingly.