UCLA football at Hawai’i: Who has the edge?

UCLA (0-0) at Hawai’i (1-0)

When: 4:30 p.m. Saturday

Where: Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex

TV/radio: CBS (Ch. 2) / 1150 AM

Line: UCLA by 14 points

What’s at stake? This game will mark the beginning of some important firsts for UCLA, most notably DeShaun Foster’s first game as a head coach and the program’s first game as a member of the Big Ten Conference. There is nothing more the team wants than to start both eras with a resounding victory. UCLA is also 4-0 against Hawai’i all-time, so the Bruins want to keep that streak going.

Who’s better? It’s the first game of the season for UCLA so it’s difficult to gauge how the team will look on both sides of the ball, but the offense has enough playmakers to make things difficult for Hawai’i’s defense. Moreover, UCLA’s defense has flashed its versatility during practice, which should give what looks like a more one-dimensional Hawai’i offense fits all day. The Bruins had a more impressive 2023 campaign, including a comeback victory over Boise State in the LA Bowl. Hawai’i finished with a 5-8 record last season and did not qualify for a bowl game.

Matchup to watch: UCLA’s defensive line against Hawai’i quarterback Brayden Schager. The senior signal-caller has proven he’s a capable passer, but last week he showcased his running ability with 10 rushing attempts for 38 yards and two touchdowns in a 35-14 victory over FCS-level Delaware State. The two rushing TDs doubled his career number, so it will be interesting to see if last week was an anomaly or if he’s added running to his repertoire. The Bruins are led by two returning starters on the defensive line, Jay Toia and Keanu Williams and will rotate in a handful of pass rushers.

UCLA wins if: Opening-game jitters don’t get to the team. The Bruins are traveling more than 2,500 miles with a new head coach, in a new conference, so there are a lot of first-time developments they have to contend with. If UCLA remains composed and avoids turning the ball over, it should be an island trip the team can remember fondly.

Prediction: UCLA 35, Hawai’i 10. The Rainbow Warriors’ defense plays with a lot of energy, but UCLA quarterback Ethan Garbers is a veteran who knows how to find the holes in a defense and has experience in pressure situations. The UCLA passing attack should be able to break the game open early, followed by a rushing barrage from T.J. Harden to run out the clock and keep Hawai’i’s offense off the field.