Here are three things to watch in the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats’ game vs. UCLA at the Rose Bowl (Saturday, 7:30 p.m., ESPN2), plus a score prediction and some pertinent preview links:
1. DIFFERENT LOOK
All eyes will be on Rhett Rodriguez, the son of former UA coach Rich Rodriguez. Kevin Sumlin decided it was in Khalil Tate’s best interest — and the team’s — to sit him this week so his ankle finally could heal. We also might see Jamarye Joiner and/or Kevin Doyle at quarterback, but RhettRod will start and try to put his stamp on the program his father built. Unfortunately, for a variety of reasons, the team RichRod left behind is thin along the offensive line. That has been a significant problem for the Wildcats in every game except two (Southern Utah and Oregon State … the outliers). A healthy Tate could have mitigated that with his legs, but we seldom saw the healthy, cocksure Tate from 2017 before his ankle sent him to the sideline. Rhett Rodriguez will try to compensate in a different way: By throwing the ball on time. You won’t see a lot of improvisation from Rodriguez. You will see the ball coming out of his hand as soon as his left foot hits the ground. Making quick, correct decisions is how he’ll make up for his athletic shortcomings — and those of his beleaguered blockers.
People are also reading…

ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ linebacker Colin Schooler, left, tackles Utah quarterback Tyler Huntley (1) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Oct. 12, 2018, in Salt Lake City.
2. NO MORE HALF-MEASURES
Which UA defense will show up? And when? Just when it seemed as if the unit was rounding into form, it took a significant step backward against Utah. Unlike the previous two weeks, by the time the Wildcats made some adjustments, it was far too late. (One could argue it was too late against USC as well, but at least ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ rallied to within a score.) Even in the games in which the Wildcats have played well, they’ve struggled in first halves. Cal quarterback/turnover machine Brandon McIlwain did most of his damage before intermission. USC had a 17-0 halftime lead. It’s difficult for any quarterback, let alone a first-time starter, to rally from double-digit deficit, regardless of the venue. Although UA defenders insisted the QB change changes nothing for them, something does have to change. The Wildcats defense needs to be the one setting the tone, not the other way around. UCLA is coming in on a high; the last thing ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ needs is to give up a long drive or a big play early to get the Bruins’ homecoming crowd going. Playing from ahead flips the pressure to the other sideline. The UA defense must do its part.
3. UNDERDOGS?!?
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ opened as a 5.5-point underdog — not a hugely surprising development despite UCLA having only one win. The line had swelled to 10 as of this writing. Is Vegas trying to draw money on the Wildcats? Or is the perceived drop-off from Tate to Rodriguez that severe? If it’s the latter, it might be an overreaction; it’s not as if Tate was playing like the Tate of 2017. Regardless, the line should serve as some semblance of motivation for an ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ team that could use some. The embarrassment of last week’s game at Utah should provide some inspiration as well. If that isn’t enough, the Wildcats are fully aware of the consequences should they lose: They’d fall to 3-5 with Justin Herbert and Oregon coming to ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ next week. Any margin for error for making a bowl game would be gone. History isn’t on ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥â€™s side tonight: The Wildcats have lost three straight at the Rose Bowl, and only one of them was remotely competitive — a 17-7 loss in 2014 in which ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ failed to score after the first quarter and got outgained 460-255.
FINAL SCORE: UCLA 30, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ 27
PREVIEW LINKS:
- Game advance: RhettRod experience isn’t unprecedented; it happened four years ago at UCLA
- Greg Hansen: ‘Mr. Football’ on rock bottom, the Mora mistake, RichRod's recruiting
- UA-UCLA storylines: On defensive struggles, bright spots and Chipping away
- Video: UA teammates on RhettRod's arm, football mind
Photos: ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats quarterback Rhett Rodriguez through the years
Washington St ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Football

ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ quarterback Rhett Rodriguez will make his first career start when the Wildcats visit UCLA on Saturday.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Oregon State08-my

Rhett Rodriguez, seen here against Oregon State earlier this season, led the Wildcats into scoring position five times during ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥â€™s 42-10 loss to Utah in Salt Lake City last week.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Utah Football

Kevin Sumlin said quarterback Rhett Rodriguez looked “comfortable and poised†against Utah last week.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ at Utah college football

Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham talks with ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats quarterback Rhett Rodriguez (4) after the game as the University of Utah hosts the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Friday Oct. 12, 2018. Utah defeated ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ 42-10.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs. Utah college football

Utah defensive end Nick Heninger (96) hurries the pass from ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ quarterback Rhett Rodriguez (4) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Oct. 12, 2018, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ at Utah college football

ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ quarterback Rhett Rodriguez (4) is sacked by Utah defensive end Caleb Repp, bottom, during the second half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Oct. 12, 2018, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs Southern Utah

Rhett Rodriguez gets to throw, taking the field in the fourth quarter against Southern Utah and serving as Khalil Tate's backup quarterback.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats spring football scrimmage

ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats quarterback Rhett Rodriguez (4) passes during the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats spring football scrimmage on April 7, 2018, at ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Stadium in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. The spring game is April 14 at 5 p.m.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ spring game

Quarterback Rhett Rodriguez gets off the pass as the pocket closes in around hime at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s spring game in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Stadium, Saturday, April 14, 2018, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs. UTEP

ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ quarterback Rhett Rodriguez uncorks a pass in the fourth quarter of Friday's win over UTEP in El Paso.Â
Northern ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ University vs. University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ college football

Freshman quarterback Rhett Rodriguez played in the Wildcats’ Week 1 win over Northern ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥. He is one of eight coaches’ sons currently playing major college football.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥

Quarterback Rhett Rodriguez cocks to throw while working out at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥â€™s practice session, Saturday, August 5, 2017, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
Catalina Foothills vs Scottsdale Saguaro

Foothills quarterback Chris Kowalcek, right, replaced former Falcon Rhett Rodriguez, who was a four-year starter.
Rhett Rodriguez

Catalina Foothills quarterback Rhett Rodriguez (4) drops back to pass during the second quarter of the Catalina Foothills vs. Scottsdale Saguaro Class 4A state high school championship football game at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Mike Christy / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
Rhett Rodriguez

Catalina Foothills quarterback Rhett Rodriguez (4) takes off out of the pocket during the first quarter of the Catalina Foothills vs. Scottsdale Saguaro Class 4A state high school championship football game at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Mike Christy / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
Rhett Rodriguez

Catalina Foothills quarterback Rhett Rodriguez (4) bulls his way into the end zone for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the Catalina Foothills vs. Scottsdale Saguaro Class 4A state high school championship football game at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Saguaro won the championship 42-14. Mike Christy / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
UA football recruits

Catalina Foothills senior Rhett Rodriguez talks about playing football for his father, University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ football coach Rich Rodriguez, after signing his national letter of intent in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ on Feb 1, 2017. A.E. Araiza / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
Rhett Rodriguez

Pusch Ridge's Paul Bertelsen (44) just manages to get a hand on the toe of Catalina Foothills' Rhett Rodriguez (4) and trip up his leaping run in the third quarter of their game at Catalina Foothills High School, Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. Kelly Presnell / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
Rhett Rodriguez

Catalina Foothills' Rhett Rodriguez (4) scoots into the end zone to put the Falcons back up 21-14 late in the fourth quarter against Pusch Ridge at Catalina Foothills High School, Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. Kelly Presnell / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
UA football recruits

Catalina Foothills senior Rhett Rodriguez gets his hair arranged by his mother, Rita, after signing his national letter of intent Wednesday.
UA football recruits

Catalina Foothills senior Rhett Rodriguez watches as his father, UA football coach Rich Rodriguez, signs his portion of the quarterback’s letter of intent to play for the Wildcats. At right is Rhett’s sister, Raquel.
Catalina Foothills vs. Scottsdale Saguaro in the 4A high school football championship

Catalina Foothills quarterback Rhett Rodriguez (4) bulls his way into the end zone for a touchdown during the fourth quarter. Mike Christy / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
Catalina Foothills vs. Scottsdale Saguaro in the 4A high school football championship

Catalina Foothills quarterback Rhett Rodriguez (4) congratulates Scottsdale Saguaro's Kyle Soelle (3) after the game. Mike Christy / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
Catalina Foothills vs. Scottsdale Saguaro in the 4A high school football championship

Catalina Foothills quarterback Rhett Rodriguez (4) takes off out of the pocket during the first quarter. Mike Christy / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
Catalina Foothils vs Pusch Ridge

Catalina Foothills quarterback Rhett Rodriguez scoots into the end zone during the fourth quarter of a game against Pusch Ridge Christian in September. The son of UA football coach Rich Rodriguez will lead the Falcons into Saturday’s Class 4A state championship game.
Football Foothills vs. Nogales

After piling up the wins at Catalina Foothills High School, Rhett Rodriguez is seeking his first win as a UA starter.
Rhett Rodriguez

Rhett Rodriguez took part in Catalina Foothills’ Senior Night last month with his parents, Rita and Rich. Rhett has spent the last four seasons as the Falcons’ starting quarterback.
Rhett Rodriguez

Rhett and Rich Rodriguez share a laugh before the UA’s 2013 home upset win over Oregon.
Pusch Ridge Christian vs. Catalina Foothills

Pusch Ridge's Paul Bertelsen (44) just manages to get a hand on the toe of Catalina Foothills quarterback Rhett Rodriguez (4) and trip up his leaping run in the third quarter of their game at Catalina Foothills High School, Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. Kelly Presnell / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
Catalina Foothills vs. Cienega high school football

Catalina Foothills quarterback Rhett Rodriguez (4) scrambles away from pressure during the fourth quarter of the Catalina Foothills vs. Cienega high school football game at Cienega High School in Vail, Ariz., Friday, Sept. 4, 2015. The Falcons won 23-17. Photo by Mike Christy / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
RhettRod

Rhett Rodriguez, right, and his family after he committed to UA.Â
Catalina Foothills vs. Cienega

Cienega's Chris Vega (1) and Dillon Howell (24) team up to bring down Catalina Foothills' Rhett Rodriguez (4) during the first quarter of the Catalina Foothills vs. Cienega high school football game at Cienega High School in Vail, Ariz., Friday, Sept. 4, 2015. Mike Christy / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
Catalina Foothills vs. Cienega

Cienega's Mason Craig (80) chases down Catalina Foothills' Rhett Rodriguez (4) during the first quarter of the Catalina Foothills vs. Cienega high school football game at Cienega High School in Vail, Ariz., Friday, Sept. 4, 2015. Mike Christy / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
Pueblo vs. Catalina Foothills

Catalina Foothills' Rhett Rodriguez (4) finds himself surrounded by Pueblo players as he scampers up the middle in the second quarter of their game at Catalina Foothills High School, Friday, Aug. 28, 2015, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. Kelly Presnell / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
Catalina Foothills High School football

Rhett
Rodriguez
Catalina Foothills vs. Flowing Wells

Catalina Foothills quarterback Rhett Rodriguez (4) throws under pressure from Flowing Wells' Dionte Flores (24)during the first quarter of the Catalina Foothills vs. Flowing Wells high school football game on Oct. 10, 2014. Foothills handed the home team its first loss of the season with a 41-14 win.
092116-spt-hsfb feature-p5

Catalina Foothills High School quarterback Rhett Rodriguez works with the scout team offense during the varsity team's practice at the school, 4300 E. Sunrise Dr., on Sept. 20, 2016, in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. Mike Christy / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥