Another Low-Attendance Turnout Likely in Rose Bowl Saturday When UCLA Faces Unbeaten South Alabama

[UPDATED] The South Alabama Jaguars will take on the UCLA Bruins Saturday at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, as the Sun Belt Conference invades the Pac 12.

This will be the first time the two schools will be playing each other. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m.

Attendance is expected to be just in the 20,000’s, according to an estimate in an email from Councilmember Steve Madison.

Compared to decisive wins over Bowling Green (45-17) and Alabama (45-7), South Alabama may be a tougher challenge for the Bruins, as the Jaguars are also unbeaten coming into this matchup, Sports Illustrated All Bruins reported. 

“Really solid team on the offensive side of the ball, been really efficient in their first two games, offensively, this year in their win over Nicholls and their win over Central Michigan,” Bruins Coach Chip Kelly said of the Jaguars before UCLA’s morning practice Wednesday.

He went on to say the Jaguars are an efficient team, and he’s preparing his own players for some surprises that just may come. 

“Very multiple, lot of different looks, lot of different blitzes, lot of dropping different guys into coverage, so they try to confuse you from an offensive standpoint going against them,” he told SI All Bruins. “You got to know who’s coming, who the rushers are, who the droppers are, because that can affect you in terms of trying to be efficient in your passing game. So a really well-coached team, and we expect a really good game on Saturday.” 

The Bruins have shown off their offensive chops over the first two weeks, scoring 90 points over their first two games while holding the opposition to 24 points. The Jaguars are 2-0 thanks to last Saturday’s road win over Central Michigan.

Kelly said defensive back Kenny Churchwell won’t be in the first half Saturday after he was ejected for targeting last week in the game against Alabama State. Kelly said an appeal against the suspension was denied.

South Alabama head coach Kane Wommack said his team will be ready when it faces the Bruins in Pasadena.

“I like our matchup this week,” Wommack told Alabama.com. “I like the demeanor of our team and our program and the talent that we bring and the depth that we have in certain areas. We talk about expectation being way more powerful than belief. Belief is something that Disney sports movies are made of –believing that you can be in that situation.”

The Jaguars, who were set to fly to LA Thursday, beat Central Michigan last Saturday, 38-24. Quarterback Carter Bradley went 26-of-42 for 354 yards and three touchdowns, and wide receivers Jalen Wayne and Caullin Lacy combined for 15 catches for 195 yards.

“The Bruins are favored by 15.5 points in the latest UCLA vs. South Alabama odds from Caesars Sportsbook, while the over/under is set at 59,” reported CBS Sports about odds of the weekend game. 

The weather forecast for Pasadena says Saturday should be mostly sunny, with a high near 80.