Beat writers’ game day predictions: UCLA v. Memphis

Prior to each UCLA football game, the Daily Bruin football beat writers will predict the score, and give a short reasoning behind their prediction.

To keep track of how far off each writer’s predictions are from reality, the “prediction differential per game” statistic shows the average difference between a particular writer’s predicted margin of victory and the actual one, based on predictions the writer has made this season.

Kevin Bowman’s score prediction:

UCLA: 31

Memphis: 17

Prediction Record: 1-0

Prediction differential per game: 27.0

Game one didn’t quite go the way the Bruins’ offense wanted, as they struggled to limit the Virginia pass rush and develop any consistent rhythm. As a result, UCLA scored just seven offensive points. While not all the offensive-line woes will be completely fixed, as redshirt junior center Jake Brendel’s status is still unknown, there still should be some improvement in game two against the Memphis Tigers. The Bruins got an early-season wake-up call and now know not to take any opponent lightly, even if the Tigers struggled in a weak American Athletic Conference last season. Expect UCLA to have a more consistent offense, but Memphis should hang around with its option-oriented offense causing some confusion.

Chris Kalra’s score prediction:

UCLA: 48

Memphis: 17

Prediction Record: 1-0

Prediction differential per game: 17.0

UCLA’s offense couldn’t have looked any worse than it did in its 28-20 win over Virginia last week, as it was outscored by its defense 21-7. Consequentially, the Bruins’ defense has given its offensive counterparts no shortage of teasing and grief. Expect the Bruin offense to be fired up with their pride somewhat on the line, and put up a knock-out score on Memphis. UCLA’s defense should be the same as it was in game one – stout and pesky.

Jordan Lee’s score prediction:

UCLA: 38

Memphis: 10

Prediction Record: 1-0

Prediction differential per game: 20.0

That pretty much everything I wrote here a week ago turned out to be wrong was a little bit of a blow to my ego, but not as much as it was to the UCLA offense – which managed just seven points against Virginia. Expect for the Bruins to get back on track in their 2014 Rose Bowl debut Saturday against Memphis. Redshirt junior quarterback Brett Hundley will remind people why he garnered so much hype in the build-up to the season, and UCLA will put plenty up on the scoreboard. Meanwhile, the defense will nearly outscore the opposing offense for the second consecutive week, with the Bruins smothering the Tigers’ varied yet run-centered attack.

What’s your UCLA football gameday score prediction? Share it below in the comments.

Compiled by Kevin Bowman, Chris Kalra and Jordan Lee, Bruin Sports senior staff.