Word from Pac-12 insiders is that Chip Kelly's UCLA could be a real sleeper this season. A deeper and more physical roster figures to be one of the few teams in the region capable of playing bully-ball (the Bruins ranked sixth nationally in rushing last year), behind Ball State transfer RB Carson Steele (1,556 rushing yards in 2022). Insiders also suggest one of Kelly's three QBs is likely to emerge as a serviceable replacement for Dorian Thompson-Robinson. The best move made by new Coastal Carolina coach Tim Beck was to keep QB Grayson McCall out of the portal, but the Chanticleers have much rebuilding to do on a defense depleted by graduation and transfers.

The bet here is against UCLA’s massive offensive changes with its all-time leading passer Dorian Thompson-Robinson gone, replacing him is Ethan Garbers who hasn’t been given the full confidence of coach Chip Kelly. Backup QBs Dante Moore and Collin Schlee are expected to see time in this game. UCLA is also without its leading RB, its two leading WRs, and three OLs. I like the big moment for Coastal Carolina QB Grayson McCall leading a senior-laden offense. I took the points with Coastal Carolina.

The Bruins are flying so below the radar that it even impresses the writers of Top Gun: Maverick. Ethan Garbers will be taking the snaps, but expect hot shot freshman Dante Moore to get a lot of run. More importantly, though, is the fact that their defense is going to be one of the best in the conference. That’ll be more than enough to slow down a Chanticleers offense that, even with Grayson McCall taking the snaps, will struggle under first-year head coach Tim Beck.