To Kick Off a Championship: Game One vs Utah

With experience and additions everywhere, the UCLA Bruins are hopeful for a college football national championship, and they hope to begin with a win over Utah.

Sep 9, 2023; San Diego, California, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Sitiveni Havili-Kaufusi (95) waves to the crowd after the game against the San Diego State Aztecs at Snapdragon Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-Imagn Images | Orlando Ramirez-Imagn Images

After adding Star QB Nico Iamaleava, having an amazing recruiting class, and keeping a good coach with the team in DeShaun Foster, the UCLA Bruins are hopeful for a shot at a coveted National Championship trophy.

The path to victory is game by game, week by week, and in 2025 their first game is against the Utah, Utes what can be expected, what projects victory, and what could pose a challenge?

Jul 24, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UCLA head coach DeShaun Foster speaks to the media during the Big Ten NCAA college football media days at Mandalay Bay Resort. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images | Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images

Expectations

• The Bruins are projected by most to have a victory week one, with the skill level at UCLA being a full conference higher, and generally higher rated players.

• The game is not expected to be a breeze by any means, with the simulations by huge companies such as EA predicting a ten point game that finished at 38-27 in the Bruins favor.

• This game one is going to be a game that gets the Bruins players comfortable with each other, and settle in the teams chemistry, what looks rusty and uncoordinated against Utah should be cleaner the next week against UNLV.

Nov 30, 2024; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins running back T.J. Harden (25) is lifted into the air by offensive lineman Josh Carlin (54) after scoring a touchdown against the Fresno State Bulldogs during the third quarter at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images | Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

Upside and Advantages.

• Iamaleava will be starting his first game for the Bruins against the Utes, and it will be his first opportunity to show off his training camp connection with his brother Madden Iamaleva.

• Aside from the Iamaleava's, the Bruins have two contending Doak Walker award running backs on their team ready to show out for a shot at the coveted award.

• The Bruins will also be playing at home, giving them the crowd and a familiar place for the revamped team to get to work against the Utes.

Nov 30, 2024; Pasadena, California, USA; Fresno State Bulldogs defensive back Julian Neal (15) tackles UCLA Bruins tight end Moliki Matavao (88) causing a fumble during the third quarter at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images | Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

Challenges

• The Utes are no joke when it comes to college football, hence why the betting odds on many betting sites are in favor of the visitors from Utah.

• Analysts consider the Utes to have really good potential to win against UCLA, and although analysts can be wildly incorrect at times, they often know what they are talking about.

• Along with UCLA, Utah also has a contender for the Doak Walker award in Wayshawn Parker, and paired with a formidable offense leaves little room for error even at home and even with all of their advantages.

Football is unpredictable, but going into game one the Bruins certainly have strong advantages on their side, and very well have the capability to defeat the Utes and start off their season 1-0.

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