Arizona versus UCLA is the Pac-12’s top basketball rivalry. This weekend, however — just before the college basketball season begins — the Wildcats and Bruins will play an important football game.
Usually, Arizona-UCLA football games are afterthoughts. They don’t usually carry much meaning or significance. This season’s game is an exception to that larger pattern. Both teams have a chance to win nine or more games this season. That’s not a typical backdrop for a U of A-UCLA game.
We asked our Pac-12 football panel for Arizona’s main key to victory versus UCLA.
Matt Zemek: No blown coverages or massive defensive mistakes. If Arizona avoids 15-yard penalties or coverage busts or anything like that, and it makes the game hard for a mediocre UCLA offense, the Wildcats should have more than enough to win on Saturday.
Zachary Neel: More Noah Fifita and a potent offense. I think Arizona’s defense should be good enough to keep things tight and turn the Bruins over a few times. As long as Fifita can find success against UCLA’s defense, the Wildcats have a real shot.
Matt Wadleigh: Flip the script. Roll with Noah Fifta, he’s a superstar in the making.
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