The Associated Press
MEMPHIS (1-0) at No. 11 UCLA (1-0), 10 p.m. (Pac-12 Networks)
Line: USC by 24.
Series Record: First meeting.
WHAT’S AT STAKE
UCLA plays its home opener in a season of high expectations at the Rose Bowl, and the Bruins are eager to get their offense rolling after a closer-than-expected 28-20 victory last week at Virginia. Memphis is coming off a 63-0 thrashing of Austin Peay, but will need a remarkable effort to keep it competitive against the loaded Bruins.
KEY MATCHUP
Memphis defensive line vs. UCLA offensive line. The Tigers dominated the line of scrimmage in their opener, posting their first shutout since 2000 with a stout line led by DE Martin Ifedi. The Bruins’ offensive line struggled mightily against Virginia, with two linemen making their first career starts and a few positions shuffled due to the absence of injured C Jake Brendel, who could return against Memphis.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Memphis: QB Paxton Lynch. The second-year starter opened the season in style, passing for two TDs and rushing for two more scores.
UCLA: LB Eric Kendricks. While two-way star Myles Jack gets most of the attention, Kendricks made 16 tackles and dominated at times against Virginia, getting on pace for his third straight 100-tackle season. Jack also chipped in with a career-best 13 tackles as the Bruins adjust to life after first-round pick Anthony Barr.
FACTS & FIGURES
Memphis has never lost a football game in California, beating San Jose State in a bowl game in 1971 and stunning 16th-ranked USC in the 1991 season opener. … UCLA has won three straight home openers at the Rose Bowl. … UCLA’s only non-conference loss in coach Jim Mora’s tenure was a bowl defeat from Baylor in 2012. … Ifedi appeared to injure his left ankle in the Tigers’ season opener, and coach Justin Fuente hasn’t said much about his injury. … The Bruins are scheduled to visit Memphis in 2017.
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