Foster Farmer Bowl: UCLA Bruins vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers

Nebraska is 5-7. UCLA stumbled home at 8-4 after losing to USC. Only three players have left the Bruins early since Mora arrived before the 2012 season: offensive lineman Xavier Su’a Filo, who became the No. 33 overall pick in 2014; quarterback Brett Hundley, who slipped to the fifth round this past spring; and defensive lineman Ellis McCarthy, who was not selected. I have admired Jim’s (Mora) work at UCLA since he arrived. Riley said the Huskers are in good health heading into the game, with only linebacker Marcus Newby likely to miss the contest with a groin injury. We really respect the play of his team this year. If not, the play-calling will be a collaborative effort, Mora said. Sixteen is an alarming number for any quarterback in 12 games played, but what makes it even worse is the fact that Armstrong is a veteran in his third season as a starter.

Keep an eye on: UCLA QB Josh Rosen UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen is reason enough to watch this game. Like Nebraska, the Bruins have strung together recent bowl success, participating in the postseason in 11 of the last 13 seasons. Hundley is now backing up Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay, which is wonderful news for Cornhusker fans, considering he threw seven touchdowns in those two matchups. Things were new again and the season had promise with a team now headed by a man with the demeanor of Coach Osbourne. I’ve known Mike Riley a long time. The former Oregon State coach was 14-34 in three seasons with the San Diego Chargers, including a franchise-worst 1-15 in 2000. It could be a big night for Rosen (19th nationally with 3,350 passing yards) and WRs Jordan Payton (No. 1 on UCLA’s all-time career reception list) and Thomas Duarte.

Despite a quiet season on the ground, Armstrong, who has an ability to extend plays, has been a focal point for UCLA as it prepares for the Cornhuskers. He has made a huge mark in a short time. Defensive tackle Kenny Clark – the team’s only All-Pac-12 first-team selection and top pro prospect – said he received a second-round grade on his draft evaluation, but remains undecided about whether or not he will declare. When the Huskers go to the air, Armstrong often finds second-team All-Big Ten wideout Jordan Westerkamp, who leads the team with 63 receptions for 874 yards and seven touchdowns. “For the guys that have to go through the winter program, it makes it a little better if you win the last one”. The former volatile head coach was gone. UCLA’s kicker was as good or better. UCLA limped to an 8-4 finish including a sloppy (-3 turnover margin) 40-21 loss to USC in the regular season finale. “The difference between Northwestern and UCLA, UCLA’s speed is by far much, much better”, Banker said. It wasn’t one player’s fault, but more the team itself that could not help Big Red rise to the occasion in those close loses and instead provide the fans with a multitude of unfamiliar emotions.

Q: Coach Riley, what are your thoughts on playing UCLA in the Foster Farms Bowl?

Both if these defenses have their issues and these offenses turn the ball over in bunches so we can expect a wild one and I look for it to go over the total. UCLA 31, Nebraska 17.