No. 20 California (5-1, 2-1 Pac-12) at UCLA (4-2, 1-2), 9 p.m. (ESPN)
Line: UCLA by 3.
Series Record: UCLA leads 52-32-1.
WHAT’S AT STAKE
The annual UC rivalry game is enormous for the Bruins, whose conference title hopes are slipping away after a two-game skid. It’s also quite big for the Golden Bears, who could cement their hot start and Top 25 status with their most impressive win of the year.
KEY MATCHUP
UCLA QB Josh Rosen vs. Cal DE Kyle Kragen. The Bruins’ freshman passer is still learning how to cope with big-time college football pressure, and the Golden Bear best equipped to provide it is Kragen, who leads Cal in tackles, sacks and tackles for loss.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
California: RB Daniel Lasco. He has been struggling with a strained hip muscle nearly all season, and he was yanked from Cal’s loss at Utah after fumbling on his first carry. The senior is ready for redemption, and UCLA’s injury-depleted defense is a great place to run wild.
UCLA: DE Kenny Clark. The Bruins’ patchwork defense has given up 124 points in its last three games, but the gifted junior isn’t to blame. Clark is still fighting to fill the many holes on the line while leading UCLA in tackles for loss.
FACTS & FIGURES
UCLA has won the last two meetings in the series, including a 36-34 win at Berkeley last season when Marcus Rios intercepted Jared Goff’s pass near the goal line in the final minute. … The Bruins are 11-7 against ranked opponents under coach Jim Mora, including 6-2 in the past two seasons. … Cal is on the road for the fourth time in its last five games, but the Bears would be bowl-eligible for the first time since 2011 with one more win. … Cal has forced 21 turnovers, leading the nation in the category. … UCLA RB Paul Perkins has rushed for a touchdown in five straight games.
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