UCLA @ Memphis preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 6, 2014 ) Memphis 35, UCLA 42

UCLA has been vulnerable against the run thus far this season and on Saturday will need to find a way to slow host Memphis, which displayed a dominant rushing attack in its season-opening win. UCLA has given up an average of 331.5 rushing yards over its first two games this season and could be without several defensive starters against the Tigers, who are coming off a 319-yard performance on the ground against Louisiana-Monroe.

UCLA linebacker Kenny Young and safeties Adarius Pickett and Jaleel Wadood left with injuries in the 56-23 victory against visiting Hawaii on Saturday, defensive lineman Boss Tagaloa didn't suit up because of an ailment and linebacker Josh Woods was ejected for targeting, meaning he'll sit out the first half against Memphis. Fortunately for the Bruins, their offense has been solid in their wins against Texas A&M and Hawaii - especially quarterback Josh Rosen, who already has 820 passing yards and nine touchdowns without an interception. UCLA may need to play a more conservative, controlled style on offense and give the defense time to catch its breath against a Memphis running game that had two ball carriers surpass the 100-yard mark in the first half of its season opener. Darrell Henderson and Patrick Taylor Jr. combined for 300 rushing yards and three touchdowns against ULM, and the 6-3, 223-pound Taylor is especially punishing against opposing defenses.

TV: Noon ET, ABC. LINE: UCLA -3

ABOUT UCLA (2-0): The Bruins also were missing two key offensive players in their win against Hawaii, and coach Jim Mora said running back Soso Jamabo and wide receiver Jordan Lasley would work to get back this week, but there were no guarantees. Lasley's absence opened the door for Theo Howard to produce the best game of his college career, and Darren Andrews made three more touchdown catches, giving him five on the season. UCLA also has a sure-handed tight end in Caleb Wilson, giving Rosen four good options in the passing game.

ABOUT MEMPHIS (1-0): The Tigers have another weapon on the ground in Tony Pollard, who returned a kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown against ULM - setting a school record with the third such score of his career. UCLA kicker JJ Molson has 10 touchbacks on 18 kickoffs this season, so Pollard will need to take advantage of his opportunities. The Memphis player who didn't get much attention last weekend was senior quarterback Riley Ferguson, who passed for 3,698 yards and a school-record 32 touchdowns last campaign but was just 10-of-25 for 95 yards and an interception in the season opener on Aug. 31.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Rosen has led UCLA to a touchdown in 12 of the last 14 drives he has opened.

2. The Bruins have not allowed a passing touchdown in four of their last eight games.

3. The current Memphis senior class needs six wins to reach 33 for its four-year career and match the 1963 seniors for the most in program history.

PREDICTION: Memphis 28, UCLA 24