Predicting Outcomes of the UCLA Bruins' Games in 2024

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UCLA’s 2024 football season is poised to involve a blend of high-stakes challenges and potential breakthroughs as the Bruins transition into the Big Ten Conference. Facing a mix of established rivals and new conference opponents, the Bruins' performance in each game will be crucial in shaping their 2024 season and establishing their place in the B1G. Every game will test UCLA's resilience and determination, making each victory crucial in shaping the path forward.

Week 1: at Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors

UCLA begins its 2024 season on Aug. 31 in Honolulu, Hawai'i against the Rainbow Warriors, an opponent they’ve dominated in all four previous meetings. Hawai'i, coming off a 5-8 season, isn’t expected to challenge the Bruins much. UCLA is the stronger team and should start the season with a comfortable victory.

Record: 1-0

Week 2: Bye

Week 3: Indiana Hoosiers

UCLA’s first Big Ten Conference opponent is Indiana, a team they’ve beaten in their only previous matchup. With Indiana coming off a rough 3-9 season, the Bruins should secure an easy win as they step into Big Ten play.

Record: 2-0.

Week 4: at LSU Tigers

UCLA faces a tough test against LSU, with the all-time series between the two teams tied 1-1. LSU, fresh off a 10-4 season, will present a significant challenge. Despite keeping it close, the Bruins are likely to fall short against a strong Tigers squad.

Record: 2-1

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Week 5: Oregon Ducks

The Bruins host Oregon in what promises to be a challenging game. Although UCLA leads the series 39-30-1, Oregon’s 11-2 finish in 2023 suggests they’ll be tough to beat. The Ducks are expected to outmatch UCLA and take the win.

Record: 2-2.

Week 6: at Penn State Nittany Lions

UCLA faces Penn State in the final game of a tough three-week stretch. Penn State, who leads the series 3-1 and had a strong 11-2 season in 2023, will be a formidable opponent. Despite a valiant effort, the Bruins are likely to extend their losing streak.

Record: 2-3.

Week 7: Minnesota Golden Gophers

UCLA looks to rebound against Minnesota, a team they’ve beaten in all three previous encounters. With Minnesota finishing 7-5 in 2023, this game offers the Bruins a much-needed win after a difficult few weeks.

Record: 3-3.

Week 8: at Rutgers Scarlet Knights

The Bruins face Rutgers, a team they’ve beaten in their only prior meeting. With Rutgers coming off a 6-6 season, the Bruins should secure another win and build some momentum in the middle of their B1G schedule.

Record: 4-3.

Week 9: Bye

Week 10: at Nebraska Cornhuskers

The Bruins head to Nebraska, against whom they hold a narrow 7-6 series lead. The Cornhuskers finished 2023 with a 5-7 record and will be an improved team, but the Bruins should manage to pull off a tough road win in a close contest.

Record: 5-3.

Week 11: Iowa Hawkeyes

In a tight matchup against Iowa, UCLA will face a team that leads their series 2-1. Iowa, fresh off a 10-4 season, will likely prove too much for the Bruins, who can be expected to drop this one in a closely contested defensive struggle.

Record: 5-4.

Week 12: at Washington Huskies

The Bruins take on Washington, a team that holds a 42-33-2 series lead over them. However, with the Huskies undergoing a bit of a rebuild after a 13-1 season, UCLA should capitalize on this opportunity and come away with a win.

Record: 6-4.

Week 11: USC Trojans

In their storied rivalry with USC, the Bruins will face a tough challenge against a team that leads their series 50-34-7. Despite the intensity of this matchup, UCLA is likely to fall to their crosstown rival in a close and heated contest.

Record: 6-5.

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Week 12: Fresno State Bulldogs

UCLA closes out the season against Fresno State, a team that has given them trouble in the past, leading the series 7-3. Fresno State’s strong 11-2 finish in 2023 suggests this will be a tough game, but the Bruins should manage to eke out a win in a hard-fought battle.

Record: 7-5.

UCLA Bruins Overview

As UCLA embarks on its 2024 football journey, the Bruins face a season filled with opportunities to prove themselves in their new conference home. With a mix of challenging opponents and winnable games, UCLA’s performance will be a defining factor in their inaugural B1G campaign. How they handle the pressure, adapt to new rivalries and capitalize on key matchups will determine whether this season becomes a stepping stone toward future success or a lesson in resilience. The road ahead is tough, but it could set the tone for the Bruins' future in the Big Ten.