UCLA Faces Tough Test at Washington in Key Pac-12 Matchup
The Washington Huskies aim to solidify their bowl eligibility hopes when they host the UCLA Bruins Friday night at Husky Stadium. While UCLA has recently found success, riding a three-game win streak, Washington presents a formidable challenge, particularly on its home court. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM PT and will air on FS1, with coverage on KJR-FM provided by Tony Castricone and Jason Hamilton.
For Washington, this game represents a crucial opportunity. According to analysis of their schedule, seven of their last ten opponents were ranked within the top 26 in Bart Torvik’s T-Rank, a metric similar to KenPom. The Huskies have proven capable of upsetting highly-ranked teams, but also struggled against elite competition. A win against UCLA, ranked #37 in T-Rank, could set them up for a favorable run to close out the season, as T-Rank currently favors them in their remaining seven games.
UCLA enters the contest having won four of their last five games, including a notable victory over Purdue. They’ve maintained a consistent level of performance on both offense and defense, ranking 44th in offensive efficiency and 50th defensively, though not excelling in either area. The Bruins’ success hinges largely on their shooting prowess, currently 18th nationally in three-point accuracy – a stark contrast to Washington’s 262nd ranking in the same category.
Several key players will be pivotal in determining the outcome. For UCLA, T.J. Harden’s recent performance is encouraging, having recorded 125 rushing yards in their last game against Iowa. This comes at a time when UCLA’s rushing attack has generally struggled, ranking 131st in FBS with a 30% rushing success rate. Washington’s rush defense is vulnerable, offering a potential advantage for Harden.
On the Washington side, Will Rogers’ performance will be under scrutiny. He had an ineffective outing against Penn State, completing only 59 yards and throwing an interception. Rogers, known for his accuracy (71% completion rate), will need to regain his form, especially at home where the Huskies boast a 5-0 record. Skyy Clark, a former highly-touted recruit, is also a player to watch, shooting 48.6% from the perimeter when healthy.
The matchup presents specific tactical challenges for both teams. Washington will need to effectively defend UCLA’s Donovan Dent in the pick and roll, as his drives are instrumental in creating opportunities for the Bruins’ shooters. UCLA, meanwhile, will aim to exploit Washington’s defensive weaknesses on the glass, potentially utilizing double-big lineups to secure extra possessions. If Washington can improve their three-point shooting – currently a significant weakness – they will increase their chances of success.
Analysts suggest that UCLA profiles as a live underdog, capable of keeping the game competitive by establishing a strong running game and capitalizing on Washington’s porous rush defense. The Huskies, however, have struggled against opposing running attacks throughout the season, ranking outside the top 100 in both defensive line yards and EPA/Rush.
The game is expected to be a closely contested affair, with both teams needing a win to bolster their bowl game prospects. The atmosphere at Husky Stadium, designated as a “blackout” and senior night, is anticipated to be electric, providing a significant home-field advantage for Washington.
