UCLA beat Coastal Carolina last week 27-13 but failed to cover the -15.5 which makes it five straight non-covers for the Bruins dating back to last season. Coach Chip Kelly is operating a 3-QB system this week searching for the right fit. Meanwhile, San Diego State has a QB in Jalen Mayden who looked sharp in both Aztec wins so far with his arm and last week with his legs. The last time the two schools met was in 2019 at the Rose Bowl and SDSU won 23-14. I took the points with San Diego State.

One tradition that rarely changes for the Aztecs is that there is rarely separation by either team. This isn’t their most talented club, but they have a veteran-laden defense even if many of their players don’t have a lot of starts. Converted receiver Jalen Mayden is now an efficient dual-threat QB who gives San Diego State an alternative to its preferred ground and pound. The Bruins have the overall talent edge but don’t be surprised if this is a one-score game.

Huge deal for the Aztecs to host the Big Brother Bruins; starting next year, San Diego State will essentially be the California FBS bell cow actually playing in a conference, you know, located in the western United States. I take nothing from SDSU's close call vs. Idaho State last week as the Aztecs probably were preparing mentally for this game. The Pac-12 burned me a bit in Week 1 but I'll be surprised if UCLA wins here by more than two TDs. The Bruins didn't look great in their opener offensively vs. Coastal Carolina, which isn't exactly known for defense. The SL Model has UCLA by 11.