The Texas A&M Aggies (8-5) of the SEC travel to California to play the UCLA Bruins (4-8) of the Pac-12 tonight, Sunday, Sep 3 at 7:30 p.m. E.T. The Aggies finished fourth in the SEC West last season and lost to Kansas State in the Texas Bowl 33-28. In 2016, the Bruin season ended with a 36-10 regular season loss to the California Golden Bears. Although last season was a major disappointment for UCLA, 2017 looks to be different. At the same time, the Aggies look to be a team in search of a viable defense, and that may prove to be problematic in tonight’s game. Our Texas A&M plays UCLA college football free pick has the Bruins at -4.5 and the totals at 58.0.
Texas A&M Offense vs. Bruins Defense
Texas A&M comes into this season having to replace their starting QB as well as a WR and DE. Despite this, their offense looks solid and should be able to put points on the board. Freshman Nick Starkel will get the start at quarterback when they play UCLA. However, senior QB Jake Hubenak may also see some reps in this game. Look for junior wideout and kick returner Christian Kirk (83 REC, 11.2 YPC, 9 TDs) to be a major factor. Sophomore RB Trayveon Williams (156 ATT, 1,057 YDs, 6.8 YPC, 9 TDs) will certainly generate some points. The O-line is young.
Although the Bruins lost some quality guys on defense, they still have some solid anchors with ILB Kenny Young, a senior, returning as the leader in tackles (90), sacks (5), and TFL (3.5). Star freshman recruit Jaelan Phillips will likely start on the defensive line and will look to have a big game.
UCLA Offense vs. Aggies Defense
The Bruins are strong at QB and on the receiving end. Junior QB Josh Rosen is back after missing part of last season due to injury. His top receivers, Darren Andrews and Jordan Lasley, had 55 and 41 receptions respectively while scoring a total of nine TDs. The Bruin ground attack needs someone to step forward from the three sound rushers on the roster. The O-line is a question mark. If they gel, that will be a big help.
Despite some reports that the Aggie defense is on solid ground that does not seem to be the case. Only six starters return and the D’s top five tacklers are gone. Certainly star DE Myles Garrett will be missed. Senior DB Armani Watts needs to have a good game for Texas A&M to stay competitive. He and his compatriots must work to shut down Rosen and the Bruin pass attack.
Texas A&M Plays UCLA College Football Free Pick
Have you heard the term “toss up?” Well, this is one of those games. But we like a few specific things when it comes to making our Texas A&M plays UCLA college football free pick. We like the fact that the Bruins are at home, Josh Rosen is healthy and ready to go, and UCLA head coach Jim Mora is on the “hot seat.” In his first three years as the Bruin coach, Mora accumulated a record of 29-11 overall and 18-9 in the Pac-12. In the last two seasons, UCLA has gone 12-13 overall and 7-11 in conference. Mora needs a winning season and starting with a victory over a SEC team like the Aggies would be big. We’re taking UCLA at -5.0 and under 58.0.
Texas A&M Plays UCLA College Football Free Pick: UCLA Bruins at -5.0 and over 58.0
