UCLA and Two-Way Sensation Myles Jack face Washington
The UCLA Bruins are battling for the South Division title in the Pac-12 in order to play for the conference championship and a trip to the Rose Bowl in January. The Bruins are currently second in the division with a 4-2 record one game behind Arizona State.
On Friday, the Bruins host the Washington Huskies in a must win for UCLA. The Bruins enter the game with an overall record of 7-2 SU and 6-3 ATS. UCLA is 4-0 at home and 4-2 in the Pac-12.
Washington is 6-3 SU and 5-4 ATS, while 1-2 when playing on the road and 3-3 in the Pac-12.
The multi-talented Myles Jack has stepped in on offense for the hobbled Jordon James at running back. Jack is a starter on defense at linebacker and played last week on the offense. He succeeded so well that now no one can wait for the two-way freshman to play again on both sides of the ball.
The Bruins have won 7 straight at home against Washington and should use Jack more on offense this week as James continues to be hobbled by the ankle sprain he suffered on October 3 in Utah. James tried to return November 2 versus Colorado, but succeeded in re-aggravating the injury and missed last weekend’s 31-26 victory on the road against Arizona.
At some time during the season, the coaches at UCLA had planned to have Jack play on offense. The time finally came and Jack did not disappoint.
Jack was recruited by many schools to play running back, but has wanted to play linebacker. He led UCLA with 120 yards on just six carries.
He ran for a 66-yard touchdown during the fourth quarter, which proved to be the difference in UCLA’s second consecutive win.
Defensively, the freshman star had eight tackles and two break ups of passes, while also recovering a fumble.
It is not known how many much head coach Jim Mora will play Jack both ways. Jack played between 115 and 118 plays last Saturday and Jack will continue playing on both sides of the ball even when James is healthy and returns.
The Huskies give up over 209 yards a game rushing and that could work into one of UCLA’s strengths, especially if James returns to action.
If the running game of UCLA was not enough, the Huskies defense will also have to deal with the Bruins talented quarterback Brett Hundley. Over his past two games, Hundley is 37 for 49 for 500 yards and four touchdowns.
UCLA has won by nearly 14 points at home over their seven straight wins against Washington. The last time they played at home versus Washington was in 2009 with UCLA winning 24-23.
Mora played at Washington and his coaching career started there, which will make the game even more meaningful for him.
On offense, the Huskies will look to Bishop Shankey their running back who has had seven games of 125 or more yards rushing. He is third in the nation in rushing.
Pick: UCLA 38-28
