PLAYERS TO WATCH
–TE Caleb Wilson’s eight catches for 102 yards and a touchdown led UCLA against Washington. The big-bodied and versatile Wilson operates well in tandem with WR Theo Howard to give the UCLA passing attack two reliable top options. Wilson’s presence against a ball-hawking Cal secondary will prove vital to spreading the Golden Bears defense.
–C Boss Tagaloa returned to the lineup from a three-game suspension against Colorado, debuting on the offensive line after originally playing defense. The new coaching staff’s decision to move Tagaloa to offense is paying fast dividends: He’s a road-grader for the suddenly revitalized UCLA rushing attack.
–LB Krys Barnes played a monster game against Washington, flying to the ball all over the field to the tune of nine tackles, three tackles for loss, a sack, a pass break-up and a quarterback hurry. Barnes establishing himself as a threat off the edge comes in handy against a Cal offense struggling with turnovers when QB Brandon McIlwain’s under pressure.
–S Adarius Pickett’s interception of Jake Browning highlighted a day with 16 tackles for the veteran safety. Pickett’s ability to read the offense and attack on pass plays could be a factor in UCLA aiming to win the turnover battle at Cal.
SERIES HISTORY: UCLA leads Cal 54-33-1. The two programs play every year despite the Pac-12’s divisional crossover. Last year’s meeting at the Rose Bowl was UCLA’s fourth win in the last five meetings.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “Dorian (Thompson-Robinson) has gotten better every week. That’s what I love about him. You can’t manufacture every situation he’s going to be in. I think every time he’s in something, he learns from it. He’s a lot of fun to coach.” — UCLA coach Chip Kelly