UCLA heads into the mountains on Thursday night to take on No. 15 Colorado, and the matchup looks almost nothing like we would have predicted back in August. Instead of challenging in the Pac-12, UCLA has totally fallen apart, coming into this game at 3-5. Colorado, meanwhile, is 6-2 and was ranked 15th in the first Playoff rankings earlier in the week.
UCLA vs. Colorado 2016: Start time, live stream, TV schedule, and 3 things to know
Will Colorado’s dream season keep rolling?
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
This hot start has been a long time coming for Colorado. They’ve finally turned the corner this year after losing a number of close games last year, and Mike MacIntyre has to be in consideration for every coach of the year award imaginable.
UCLA's season has been an abject disaster. They were picked by Pac-12 media to win the South, but have repeatedly come up short in close games, losing their five games by a combined 32 points. Mike Fafaul will reportedly get the start at quarterback again, as Josh Rosen is reportedly going to miss the rest of the season with a shoulder injury.
How to watch, stream, and listen
TV: 9 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1
Online streaming: Fox Sports Go
Spread: Colorado is favored by 13 points.
Make friends: Get to SB Nation’s team blog chats for this game at Ralpie Report for Colorado fans and Bruins Nationfor UCLA fans.
Three big things to know
1. Can UCLA salvage their season? They won’t have Josh Rosen to do it, but they can still make a bowl game if they go 3-1 down the stretch. They’re going to need to beat either Colorado or USC in November to do it. Considering how poorly things have gone for them this year, and that they’re in the midst of a three-game losing streak, I don’t blame you if you aren’t buying it.
2. Colorado’s incredible season stands in stark contrast to UCLA’s disaster. The Buffs are squarely in the hunt for a New Year’s Six bowl if they finish strong. A key component in that strong finish would be snapping UCLA’s five-game winning streak over them.
3. Even with Rosen out, UCLA’s big problem on offense this year has been their complete inability to run the ball. Their leading rusher only has 206 yards on the season. That won’t cut it against Colorado, which is 12th in the country in Defensive S&P+.
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