Caught in the basement of a number of national statistical categories, UCLA football (1-5, 0-4 Big Ten) will have another chance at snatching its first conference victory against Rutgers (4-2, 1-2) on Saturday at SHI Stadium. Here are this week’s predictions from Sports editor Ira Gorawara and assistant Sports editors Kai Dizon and Connor Dullinger – along with a guest prediction from staff writer Sam Mulick.

Ira Gorawara
Sports editor
Prediction: UCLA 20, Rutgers 23

I learned in my “Principles of Argumentation” class that I am an ESFJ on the Myers-Briggs personality test and follow an “S” – or “Steady” – DISC personality style.

What those letters mean, you may wonder – they reflect my preference for grounded reasoning, logical patterns and an emphasis on facts and practicality.

And in past weeks’ predictions, I’ve strayed from those characteristics a bit. Though they do well to describe my argumentative style, perhaps my frustration over UCLA football’s abysmal season took over to expose a more disputatious side.

So this week, I’m going to tone it down and prevent emotions from riding too strong.

Let’s start with the facts: The Bruins’ season has been defined by inconsistency and underperformance – they rank 130th in the country in total offense with 272.8 yards per game. The Scarlet Nights’ defense ranks second in the Big Ten.

Another fact – UCLA is the worst in the nation at stifling third down chances, allowing teams a 57.3% success rate.

Meanwhile, Rutgers is 4-0 when converting 47% or better on third down tries and 0-2 when converting fewer than 30%.

The only means of argumentation I’ve employed so far are numbers and logic – and by deductive reasoning, UCLA will put up a decent fight, but the same issues that have plagued them through the season will ward off a Big Ten victory.

The “S” also signifies someone who strives for common-ground, and here’s mine: While I’m not predicting a UCLA win Saturday, I have them lined up to surpass 17 points for the first time in what’s been a pretty dreadful season.

And that’s a win in itself.

Kai Dizon
Assistant Sports editor
Prediction: UCLA 17, Rutgers 13

It’ll happen – a blind squirrel will find a nut.

After a painful five-game skid, the Bruins will start the long road of salvaging their season Saturday – and it all begins under center.

In a battle of subpar signal-callers, UCLA comes out on top.

While his three interceptions certainly stole the limelight last Saturday, quarterback Ethan Garbers quietly threw for 293 yards against Minnesota – a career-high for the redshirt senior.

On the other side, Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis is one of just nine quarterbacks with a passing efficiency worse than Garbers. It may be a pyrrhic victory, but at 1-5, the Bruins should be taking anything they can get.

To add, Rutgers has been outscored 56-14 over its last two losses. And all of a sudden, UCLA’s 48-28 deficit over its two previous contests doesn’t look as bad.

The reemergence of redshirt junior J.Michael Sturdivant and redshirt senior Logan Loya over UCLA’s past two games is a healthy sign for the wide receiver room. Between the showdowns against Penn State and Minnesota, Loya has accrued 102 yards over 10 receptions while Sturdivant recorded 107 on seven catches against the Golden Gophers alone.

The Bruins’ defense is also on the upswing after the efforts of the ever-passionate defensive coordinator Ikaika Malloe. By total defense, UCLA had its best performance of the season against Minnesota – surrendering just 234 yards. Despite the outcome – another UCLA loss – Saturday demonstrated a vast improvement from the 454 yards given up to LSU or the 431 conceded to Oregon.

Saturday will be the Bruins’ second trip to the East Coast after Oct. 5 in “Happy Valley.” And this time, UCLA won’t have to deal with a rambunctious Beaver Stadium crowd or a top-10 team, leaving few excuses for the struggling squad.

Connor Dullinger
Assistant Sports editor
Prediction: UCLA 24, Rutgers 21

Sometimes miracles really do happen.

UCLA football is currently the only program in the FBS yet to eclipse 20 points in a game in 2024.

But Saturday, that’s going to change.

After falling in five consecutive games – getting outscored 158-71 in the process – the Bruins will have their greatest chance for their first conference victory in New Jersey. Rutgers – which started its season 4-0 – is coming off two straight conference defeats, including a 42-7 home loss to Wisconsin just last week.

While the Bruin offense has struggled to put points on the board – or move the ball downfield – it is coming into the contest facing a defense that has given up more than 20 points per game so far this season. Rutgers’ defense has struggled specifically with defending the run game, losing the rushing yards battle in its last three affairs.

If the Bruins are going to win this game, it’s going to be on the ground, and it’s going to start with Harden. The preseason candidate for the Doak Walker Award – given to the nation’s best rusher – leads the team in rushing yards, receptions and receiving yards. The junior running back should have his way in Piscataway, but it is up to Garbers to keep the ball safe and avoid entering a double-digit tally in interceptions this season.

Rutgers has been familiar with the Big Ten’s cellar for years, and may be UCLA’s least formidable conference foe in 2024. If the Bruins are going to escape a 1-11 record this season, it’ll start Saturday – hopefully.

Sam Mulick
Features and student life editor
Prediction: UCLA 28, Rutgers 24

I’m from New Jersey.

My father grew up in Passaic on the streets of a factory town from some Bruce Springsteen song. Both my father and my brother graduated from Rutgers Law School, where my mom also worked for a time.

It’ll be a shame for them to watch their alma mater lose to a football program in shambles.

Coach DeShaun Foster’s first season has not been the start that promised to revitalize UCLA football like many hoped it would. But people forget – Sir Alex Ferguson’s first season at Manchester United ended in an 11th-place finish.

I am not an optimist – but few things inspire passion and desire more into the hearts of men than a drive on the New Jersey Turnpike.

UCLA will ride that thunder road all the way to the start of its own glory days in the jungleland of Piscataway, New Jersey.

The Bruins have to win for the sole consolation of the New York Yankees’ inevitable triumph over the Los Angeles Dodgers in this fall’s World Series, which will mark the Yankees’ 28th championship – a total of 21 more than the Dodgers if my math is correct.

Neither team is perfect – in fact, UCLA has never been further from it. But with the spirit of the night and a hungry heart, the Bruins will be dancing in the dark all night long.