Pacific-12

No. 6 Oklahoma hosts UCLA, new coach Kelly

Published Sep. 7, 2018 4:27 p.m. ET

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UCLA (0-1) at No. 6 Oklahoma (1-0), 1 p.m. ET (Fox).

Line: Oklahoma by 30.

Series record: Oklahoma leads 3-1.

WHAT'S AT STAKE?

Oklahoma opened with a resounding 63-14 win over Florida Atlantic last week. The Sooners can't let up — a loss to a UCLA team that dropped its opener to Cincinnati would be very difficult to overcome later if the Sooners are in the running for a playoff spot. UCLA is trying to avoid an 0-2 start under new coach Chip Kelly — and being embarrassed.

KEY MATCHUP

Oklahoma RB Rodney Anderson vs. UCLA run defense. Anderson was as good as any back in college football the second half of last season, and he started this season with 100 yards and two touchdowns against FAU — on just five carries. He has proved capable of being a workhorse, churning out 201 yards on 26 carries against Georgia in the College Football Playoff semifinals last season. Cincinnati ran for 194 yards on 51 carries last week. UCLA will be in trouble if it allows a more talented Oklahoma squad to have that much ball control.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

UCLA: RB Kazmeir Allen. The freshman speedster ran for 103 yards on five carries in the opener, including a 74-yard touchdown run. With his strong showing and senior Soso Jamabo still suspended, Allen could be a factor again this week.

Oklahoma: QB Kyler Murray. He opened the season by completing 9 of 11 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns against Florida Atlantic, but he broke out his outstanding running skills only a few times. He's one of the fastest Sooners, and his ability to improvise could create problems for the Bruins.

FACTS & FIGURES

UCLA quarterback Wilton Speight hurt his back in the second quarter against Cincinnati and might not be fully healed before Saturday. ... Freshman Dorian Thompson-Robinson replaced Speight and could get the start ... Oklahoma gained 650 yards against Florida Atlantic.

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