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The UCLA Bruins and the NC State Wolfpack will compete for holiday cheer in the Holiday Bowl on Tuesday at Petco Park at 8 p.m. ET. NC State will need to watch out since the Bruins have now posted big point totals in their last three contests.
When you finish with 229 more yards than your opponent like UCLA did four weeks ago, a favorable outcome is almost sure to follow. They put the hurt on the California Golden Bears with a sharp 42-14 win. The score was close at the half, but UCLA pulled away in the second half with 25 points. Their QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson did his thing and passed for three TDs and 164 yards on 28 attempts in addition to picking up 102 yards on the ground.
Meanwhile, the North Carolina Tar Heels typically have all the answers at home, but four weeks ago NC State proved too difficult a challenge. NC State managed a 34-30 victory over the Tar Heels. The Wolfpack's WR Emeka Emezie looked sharp as he caught five passes for two TDs and 112 yards. NC State's victory came on a 24-yard TD pass from QB Devin Leary to Emezie with only 1:15 remaining in the fourth quarter.
NC State's defense was a presence as well, as it got past UNC's offensive line to sack QB Sam Howell five times for a total loss of 23 yards. It was a group effort with five guys contributing.
Two defensive stats to keep an eye on: UCLA is stumbling into the matchup with the 215th most rushing touchdowns allowed in the nation, having given up 24 on the season. The Wolfpack have experienced some struggles of their own as they are 178th worst in the nation in passing touchdowns allowed, with 19 on the season. It's possible one of these Achilles' heels will wind up tripping the losing team up.
