Washington State (6-3, 4-2 Pac-12) at No. 18 UCLA (7-2, 4-2), 7:45 p.m. (ESPN)
Line: UCLA by 10.
Series Record: UCLA leads 40-18-1.
WHAT’S AT STAKE
Both schools are headed to bowls after successful starts to the season. The Bruins are in the driver’s seat in the Pac-12 South race after three straight victories, and with games still to come against Utah and USC. Washington State is looking for its third straight impressive road victory.
KEY MATCHUP
Washington State QB Luke Falk vs. UCLA CBs Marcus Rios and John Johnson. The Bruins have the Pac-12’s most effective pass defense despite myriad injuries, but they haven’t faced Falk and the Air Raid, which is averaging 455.8 yards passing in the last five games.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Washington State: WR Gabe Marks. The prolific redshirt junior from beachside Venice, California, is likely to set the Cougars’ career record for receptions Saturday. He needs just three catches to match Michael Bumpus’ mark of 195.
UCLA: C Jake Brendel. The anchor of the Bruins’ offensive line is scheduled to make his 49th start, passing Spencer Havner for the UCLA school record.
FACTS & FIGURES
With 389 points, UCLA K Ka’imi Fairbairn needs two points to become the career scoring leader for the Pac-12 and the Bruins. He is 15 for 16 on field goals this season. … The schools haven’t met since 2012, and Washington State hasn’t visited the Rose Bowl since 2011. … UCLA freshman QB Josh Rosen hasn’t thrown an interception in his last three games and 131 passes. … Washington State has 35 players from California. … The Cougars have lost nine straight games against ranked teams since beating USC in 2013. … Falk leads the Pac-12 in yards passing per game (415.1), total offense (404.8 yards) and touchdown passes (33).
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