Isaiah Oliver scored a touchdown on a 68-yard punt return to seal Colorado’s win over UCLA last year. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

UCLA (2-2, 0-1 Pac-12) vs. Colorado (3-1, 0-1 Pac-12)
Saturday, Sept. 30 | 7:30 p.m. PT | Rose Bowl
TV: ESPN2
Radio: AM 1150/AM 570

Scouting report

The Buffaloes stumbled out of the conference gate, getting blown out in the second half of a 37-10 loss to Washington last weekend in their Pac-12 opener.

Despite high expectations for an offense returning a 1,000-yard rusher and talented wide receivers, Colorado is 11th in the Pac-12 in scoring (26.2 points per game) and total offense (413.8 yards per game). Quarterback Steven Montez is coming off one of the worst games of his young career, throwing three interceptions and no touchdowns on 21-for-27 passing. The sophomore is working behind an inconsistent offensive line, though, as Colorado’s 14 sacks allowed are tied for the second-most in the conference.

The defense that lost eight starters, including four NFL Draft picks, is still among the top groups in the Pac-12. Colorado allows the second-fewest points per game (16.0). However, the Buffaloes gave up 27 second-half points to Washington last weekend.

Series history

Colorado notched its first Pac-12 win over UCLA last year as Isaiah Oliver sealed the victory with a 68-yard punt return for a touchdown with 5:27 to go. After leading by three at halftime, the Bruins were shutout in the second half by the eventual Pac-12 South champions. UCLA rushed for 25 yards on 30 carries and produced only three points from four Colorado turnovers.

UCLA owns a 9-3 overall record in the series.

Players to watch

— RB Phillip Lindsay (90 carries, 446 yards, 4 TDs)

Lindsay is third in the Pac-12 in rushing with 111.5 yards per game. The senior rushed for 1,189 yards in 2016, but was limited to just 73 yards on 24 carries last year against the Bruins.

— CB Isaiah Oliver (8 tackles, 2 INTs, 7 PBUs)

The junior cornerback leads the team with two interceptions and held UW receiver Dante Pettis to a season-low three catches last week.

— LB Drew Lewis (35 tackles, 2 TFLs, 3 QBH)

Lewis leads Colorado in tackles and is fourth in the Pac-12. The junior began his career at Washington, but was dismissed for violating team rules as a freshman. He played one year at junior college before joining the Buffaloes last year.