GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: Though UCLA is undergoing a massive overhaul in almost all phases, the Bruins counter Colorado’s deep and talented wide receiving corps with the best secondary the Buffs have faced in the early season.
Laviska Shenault Jr. has emerged as the leading playmaker in Colorado’s diverse rotation of pass-catchers, and he is on pace to be the Buffs’ most productive individual receiver since Paul Richardson (1,343 yards, 10 touchdowns in 2013). UCLA can match-up either Darnay Holmes or Nate Meadors against the dynamic Shenault.
ROSTER REPORT:
–QB Devon Modster announced his transfer from the program last week. Modster backed up first-round draft pick Josh Rosen a season ago and saw considerable action, including starts at Utah and in the Cactus Bowl, but he was third on the depth chart behind Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Wilton Speight with the change in coaching staff.
–QB Wilton Speight, UCLA’s Week 1 starter, participated in workouts during the bye week. His status for Friday is unconfirmed.
–C Boss Tagaloa and TE Devin Asiasi will return to the lineup after serving three-game suspensions.
–OL Zach Sweeney missed the previous two games and is questionable for a return at Colorado.
–LB Mique Juarez and Je’vari Anderson are both questionable. UCLA’s linebacker corps has been hit hard with injuries, including the season-ending knee injury veteran Josh Woods sustained before Week 1.
===