LAS VEGAS — It took four years to turn the corner, but UCLA finally appears headed for its first winning season for coach Chip Kelly and a Pac-12 title is within reach.
Ironically, Kelly must beat his former team to truly make a statement. Kelly posted a 46-7 record at Oregon from 2009 to 2012, but he’s 0-2 against the Ducks as the UCLA coach. The teams meet Saturday afternoon at the Rose Bowl, where matters will be business and personal for Kelly.
The Bruins (5-2) are 2-2 in Pasadena after back-to-back home losses to Arizona State and Fresno State. UCLA upped its road record to 3-0 by beating Washington 24-17 last week as quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson accounted for three touchdowns and Zach Charbonnet rushed for 131 yards. A Bruins defense that has looked bad at times was better by limiting the Huskies to a season-low 267 yards.