Penn State looks to start October off with a win in Big Ten play on Saturday afternoon when it hosts Big Ten newcomer UCLA. Penn State and UCLA have not faced each other since 1968 and the Bruins own the all-time series lead. But the times are a bit different today as Penn State remains undefeated and looks to protect its top-10 ranking and UCLA is hoping to avoid an 0-3 start in Big Ten play after losing conference matchups against Indiana and Oregon the past couple of weeks.
Penn State is a solid favorite at home for this weekend’s early afternoon kickoff, and our staff predictions for this week seem to agree with the oddsmakers.
Here is a look at our staff predictions and final score guesses for this weekend’s game between Penn State and UCLA.
Charlie: The Bruins are no match for one of the Big Ten’s elite teams. UCLA traveling across the country playing at noon eastern time could be a recipe for disaster. I think the Bruins will come out flat and Penn State will be ready to hit the gas at kickoff.
Penn State 42, UCLA 10
Brad: This is a dreaded lookahead spot that the Nittany Lions face, but this is such a mismatch on paper that Penn State shouldn’t have a problem handling UCLA at home. They have an advantage in every facet of the game, and Penn State will roll to comfortable victory that allows them to rest some starters before they head out West for their matchup against USC.
Penn State 41 – UCLA 10
Shayne: Penn State welcomes Big Ten newcomer UCLA to Happy Valley this week. UCLA was outclassed last week against Oregon, and the cross country trip won’t make things any easier for them in this game. Penn State wins comfortably.
Penn State 35, UCLA 13
Kevin: I seem to be in the same boat as the rest of our crew here at Nittany Lions Wire in thinking there is no reason why Penn State should not win this game by a comfortable margin. A West Coast team making a cross-country flight is never easy (see Washington at Rutgers), and forcing the Bruins to play at noon Eastern is an incredibly tough ask. Penn State’s defense should have a big game and should put the offense in good spots. I’m expecting a big day on the ground from Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen and another big day between Drew Allar and Tyler Warren. Penn State should be up by three scores by halftime and put things on a bit of a cruise control the rest of the way.
Penn State 38, UCLA 10