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This is a big one, folks! The Huskies are still tied for the top of the conference standings at 5-2, but the middle of the conference is so competitive that losses at UCLA and USC could send the Huskies down to 6th or 7th and rapidly alter the narrative of a successful season.
The first step is to notch a win against the Bruins, a team that should be perhaps even more desperate to start off the week with a win. UCLA is tied for 9th in the league, yet due to the same parity that is applying pressure to the Huskies, Coach Alford's team still has an opportunity to rally towards the top of the standings if they start a run of victories tonight.
A lot will depend on whether or not the Bruins come out motivated to save their season or lackadaisical a few days removed from another tough loss at Oregon.
Both teams are chock full of exciting talent. Both teams have had little trouble scoring and a lot of trouble defending in the first half of conference play.
If you want some more information on the Bruins, check out my preview from this morning. I picked the Bruins to win by a few points, but I sure as hell wouldn't put any money on it. And not just because betting is illegal and I'm full of virtue.
Join me in the comments for the game and as always, Go Dawgs!