UCLA Bruins vs Colorado Buffaloes Preview and Prediction

Two Pac-12 teams going in opposite directions square-off at Folsom Field on Friday night as the 0-3 UCLA Bruins take on the 3-0 Colorado Buffaloes.

UCLA comes into Boulder with more questions than answers in Chip Kelly‘s first season at the helm of the Bruins.

The Bruins have been outscored 113-52 in their first three games, two of those contests against Cincinnati and Fresno State, who are not thought of as ‘powerhouse’ schools by any means.

Add in the turmoil surrounding the program right now as the father of starting quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, publicly called out Chip Kelly–blaming the “million dollar coach” for the team’s 0-3 start.

Sure, Kelly has to bear some of the blame, but to have a parent come out publicly shows a disconnect between coach, players and the university.

UCLA hasn’t started the season 0-3 since 1971.

Colorado has had the opposite start to their season, outscoring their opponents 123-55 en route to a 3-0 record for the second consecutive year.

The Buffs are hoping to continue their winning ways unlike last season when they collapsed to a 2-7 record after their undefeated start.

They have the talent to surprise folks in the Pac-12.

Quarterback Steven Montez has evolved in his second season as the starter, completing 73.4 percent of his passes for 855 yards with eight touchdowns and only two interceptions.

It helps that Montez has one of the most underrated wide receivers in the country snaring passes.

Laviska Shenault Jr. is the best player you have never heard of.

The sophomore receiver has caught 26 passes for 455 yards and four total touchdowns in the first three games.

The Buffs may not be gaining national headlines after their first three games, but Shenault Jr. is a dark-horse Heisman Trophy contender.