The last time UCLA began a season 9-0 was 1998. Today, the Bruins have an opportunity to do that again. A win today would tie UCLA’s largest single-season turnaround in program history. In 1972, Pepper Rodgers improved UCLA by six wins from the previous season. Today, Bob Chesney can tie Rodgers’ record with a win. So grab some breakfast and settle in for Fox’s Big Noon game with Gus Johnson and Joel Klatt.
Let’s look at the odds, game time weather and keys to today’s game.
Odds
Last week, the Bruins covered the 23.5-point spread and I remain undefeated for the season against the spread at 7-0-1. Of course, the Over/Under continued to pose problems for me as I took the Over and the Bruins and Wolf Pack didn’t score enough points to cover the Over. I’m now 2-6 on the Over/Under
This week, UCLA opened as a 6.5-point favorite. Since then, the action has decreased the spread to 3.5 points at most sportsbooks. I expect the Bruins to win this game by more than a field goal. Take the Bruins and give the points again.
The Over/Under for this game started at 42.5 points. Since then, it’s dropped to just 38.5 points. I’m really liking the UCLA defense and don’t think they will allow enough points to cover the Over. So, I’m taking the Under this week.
Game Time Weather Forecast
Some fans may think the Golden Gophers play their football games at US Bank Stadium, which is the home of the Minnesota Vikings and is an indoor facility. But the Gophers actually play their games at Huntington Bank Stadium, which is an outdoor facility. The good news is the weather today may be the best UCLA could hope for in Minneapolis in November.
To those of us in California, we may think a 44° kickoff temperature is pretty cold, and it is compared to our weather here.
But UCLA is playing in Minneapolis in November. It could easily be a lot colder. It could easily be snowy and generally miserable weather.
So, a forecast of mostly sunny with the temperature in the mid-to-upper 40s is almost a Chamber of Commerce day in the Twin Cities today. It’s as close as you can get to perfect football weather there this time of year.
Additionally, I don’t expect to colder temps to bother the JMUCLA guys because those Bruins have certainly played in colder weather before.
Keys to the Game
1. Start Fast!
The quicker UCLA can get points on the board in this game, the better it will be for UCLA. Minnesota prefers to run the ball, but there is a distinct change in the Gophers’ offense when they fall behind and have to go to the air. So, UCLA should try to force PJ Fleck’s hand as soon as possible.
2. Stop the Gopher Running Game
Again, the goal is to get the Gophers to throw the ball more. Stopping the run on early downs will force Minnesota to put the ball in the air, and the more they throw, the likelier we see UCLA win their ninth straight game.
3. Pound the Ball
Minnesota stopped the Iowa run game and won that game. For the Bruins to be successful, they need to be able to control the line of scrimmage and run the ball effectively.
Watch and Listen to the Game With TMB!
Today’s game is on Fox and will stream on Fox.com and the Fox One app with Gus Johnson, Joel Klatt and Jenny Taft calling the game. If you would rather listen Josh Lewin, Matt Stevens and Wayne Cook call today’s game, you can listen to the game online while chatting in the TMB game thread. Just right-click on either of those links and open them in another tab so you can have it playing while you chat in the comments below.
This is your #8 UCLA Bruins at Minnesota Golden Gophers game thread. Join your fellow Bruins discussing today’s game in the comments section below, but before you get there, here’s how to watch today’s game:
#8 UCLA Football (8-0)
Opponent: Minnesota Golden Gophers (5-3)
Series Record: UCLA trails, 1-3
When: 9:00 am PT, Saturday, November 7, 2026
Where: Huntington Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Live TV: Fox with Gus Johnson, Joel Klatt and Jenny Taft
Live Stream: Fox.com and the Fox One app
Radio/Audio:
KABC-AM 790 in Los Angeles with Josh Lewin, Matt Stevens and Wayne Cook
Satellite Radio: SiriusXM Ch. 85 (UCLA Call)Online: UCLABruins.com
Live Stats: UCLA StatBroadcast
Rebroadcast (All times PT):
Saturday, 11/7 at 10:00 pm on FS1Sunday, 11/8 at 5:00 am on FS2
Sunday, 11/8 at 8:00 pm on BTN (B1G Football in 60)Monday, 11/9 at 1:00 am on FS1
Monday, 11/9 at 5:00 am on BTN (B1G Football in 60)
Monday, 11/9 at 8:30 pm on FS2
Tuesday, 11/10 at 7:00 pm on FS2Tuesday, 11/10 at 8:30 pm on FS1
Wednesday, 11/11 at 4:00 am on FS1Wednesday, 11/11 at 8:00 am on FS2
Wednesday, 11/11 at 8:00 pm on FS2
Wednesday, 11/11 at 8:30 pm on BTN (B1G Football in 60)
Go Bruins!!!
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Ty has played a terrible game.
One play TD!!!! 75 yard dime!!!