First Look: WSU vs. UCLA

Here is staff writer Jacob Thorpe’s first look at Saturday’s game between Washington State and UCLA.

What is it? WSU (3-2, 2-0 Pac-12) hopes to maintain its place atop the conference standings when it hosts UCLA ( 3-3, 1-2).

Where is it? The Cougars return to Martin Stadium in Pullman for their annual Homecoming game.

When is it? Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Where can I watch? A national audience will watch this game, which has been assigned to ESPN.

What if I like to listen? You can listen to the broadcast on KXLY 920 on the AM dial, the WSU GameDay smartphone app, or TuneIn.com/WSU.

Who is favored? The Cougars are currently favored by 4.5 points.

Why WSU will win: WSU found its mojo in Pac-12 play. The defense is playing well and the team has scored 149 points over its last three games.

Why UCLA will win: Though the Bruins have been somewhat disappointing, this is still a talented roster that began the season ranked in the Coaches Poll.

What happened last year? Luke Falk threw a 21-yard touchdown pass to Gabe Marks with three seconds left in the game as WSU beat No. 19 UCLA in the Rose Bowl, 31-27.

Three things to know:

1. UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen injured his wrist against Arizona State and might not play.

2. Last year the Cougars ended a five-game losing streak against the Bruins. Prior to that streak, WSU had won six of its last seven games against UCLA.

3. This will be the last meeting between the teams until the 2019 season, because of the Pac-12 scheduling rotation. In 2017 and 2018 WSU will play the Pac-12 South teams except for ASU and UCLA.