Texas Football: How Longhorns Can Upset UCLA Bruins

It's difficult to predict a winner from the Texas-UCLA battle in the Advocare Cowboys Showdown in part because neither team is sure of its identity just yet.

One week, they'll play stout defense. The next week, not so much. Even though the Bruins are likely to leave Arlington with a third consecutive win, poll voters and oddsmakers are dubious.

Despite wins over Virginia and Memphis, UCLA dropped to No. 12 after opening seventh in the preseason AP poll. After being 18-point favorites against the Cavs and 22.5-point favorites over Memphis, the Bruins opened as just six-point favorites over the Longhorns.

Sure, UCLA might blow out the Longhorns, but don't discount the upset. Texas might not be the better team, but it could expose UCLA's issues on the two-deep package.

UCLA Offense vs. Texas Defense

UCLA has a preseason Heisman Trophy candidate under center with quarterback Brett Hundley. His 422-yard and three-touchdown showing against Memphis was only one of many outstanding performances he has had since last season.

But the team's overall offensive performances should leave UCLA fans feeling uneasy.

The starting offensive line has 54 career starts but has somehow allowed the second-most sacks (nine) and more tackles for loss (21) than any other Division I football team thus far.

The unit did little to help the offense against Virginia, but it didn't have starting center Jake Brendel in the mix. Brendel returned for the home opener against Memphis, which helped, but the line still struggled to protect Hundley.

The Longhorns' front seven could pose a threat to the Bruins offense.

Texas' defense held its first opponent to 95 total yards of offense.

However, the defense's split personality was more present than ever against BYU.

Texas had an unbelievable first half against the Cougars and kept BYU's explosive offense out of the end zone. The second half was one to forget for the fans. Texas gave up 28-points in the third quarter alone to finish the game with a 41-7 loss.

If the Longhorns defense can produce a performance similar to the one it had in Week 1, UCLA's offense—most notably its offensive line—could be in trouble.

UCLA Defense vs. Texas Offense

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The Bruins defense is the reason why the team was not upset in Week 1 against Virginia. The defense was responsible for three of UCLA's four touchdowns in the game.

Last week a different story.

UCLA gave up 469 yards and 35 points to unranked Memphis.

The defense has only accumulated one sack this season, compared to the nine sacks the offense has allowed.

Texas' offensive line is easily the weakest link on the team. The Longhorns entered the season with a very young line, but it had fifth-year senior center Dominic Espinosa to make up for the lack of experience.

Espinosa suffered an ankle injury in Week 1 and is no longer on the two-deep depth chart. Add in the suspensions of Desmond Harrison and Kennedy Estelle, and the offensive line is basically held together with bubble gum.

The good news for Texas is that UCLA's defense has not been very successful in tackles for loss.

If the Longhorns' O-Line can somehow find a way to control the line of scrimmage and allow for running backs Malcolm Brown and Johnathan Gray to do their jobs, Texas could fare well against UCLA.

Team with the Most Complete Game Plan Could Leave Arlington with a "W"

After last week's atrocious performance, most people are not giving the Longhorns a chance against the Bruins.

That is probably the logical way to approach Saturday's game.

It's unlikely that Texas will pull off the upset, but it isn't completely out of the question. If Texas can put forth a total attack against UCLA, there's a chance for an upset.

Just don't bet your house on it.

Unless otherwise noted, all quotes were obtained firsthand. Betting information courtesy of Odds Shark.

Taylor Gaspar is Bleacher Report's featured columnist covering the Texas Longhorns. Follow Taylor on Twitter @Taylor_Gaspar.