UCLA vs. Arizona: TV Schedule, Live Streaming, Radio, Game Time and More

When the 1-5 Arizona Wildcats host the 3-3 UCLA Bruins on Thursday night, there will be little more on the line than bragging rights. Hopes were fairly high for the Wildcats entering the season, but things have fallen apart quickly, and it cost former head coach Mike Stoops his job on Monday.

Things haven't gone great for UCLA either, but their season has been respectable at least to this point. The Bruins are 2-1 in the conference and are still in the hunt in the Pac-12 South. Still, the Bruins would need to go on a big run to be a factor in the conference.

With neither team being much of a power this season, this game will likely come down to pride. It will be interesting to see if the Wildcats are amped to play for interim head coach Tim Kish or if the players will still be shell shocked by Stoops' dismissal.

Where: Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Az.

When: Thursday, Oct. 20 at 9 p.m. EDT

Watch: ESPN/ESPN 3D/ESPN3

Listen: KLAC 570 AM (UCLA) and KCUB 1290 AM (Arizona)

Betting Line: Arizona (-4)

Who Might Not Play For UCLA: S Tony Dye

After missing Week 6 with a neck injury, UCLA safety Tony Dye is questionable against Arizona on Thursday. Dye, a senior, is essentially the the heart and soul of the defense. He led the team in tackles last season and is vital both in run and pass coverage.

His absence could leave the Bruins incredibly vulnerable on down-field passes, especially against a dynamic duo like Arizona quarterback Nick Foles and wide receiver Juron Criner (should he play). Not only will it hurt from a strategic standpoint, but the defense also loses some of its edge without him.

Who Might Not Play For Arizona: WR Juron Criner

Despite his effectiveness when he plays, the Arizona wide receiver has been plagued by injuries all season. His latest ailment, a knee sprain, could possibly keep him out against UCLA. Criner has 340 yards and three touchdowns in five games and is Nick Foles' favorite target.

His absence would severely compromise the explosiveness of Arizona's passing game. Even if he isn't at full strength, being on the field could mean a world of difference, even if he simply acts as a decoy to draw attention away from other receivers.

Key Storyline: How Will Mike Stoops' Firing Affect Arizona?

Mike Stoops was the head man at Arizona for seven-and-a-half-years, but for the first time since 2003, there will be a new person in charge on game day. Defensive coordinator Tim Kish will serve as Arizona's interim coach and perhaps serve to inspire the players to perform at a higher level.

When firings occur, players often hold themselves accountable and perform better after the fact. At the same time, the players may be dejected depending upon how good their relationship with Stoops was. It remains to be seen which scenario will be true for the Wildcats, but we'll find out Thursday.

BCS/Top 25 Poll Implications

In all honesty, this game features absolutely no BCS or Top 25 implications. Even if Arizona were to miraculously win out, it is highly unlikely that they would crack the polls in any way. UCLA would probably be a Top 25 team if they ran the table, but that seems pretty unlikely.

This game does have some Pac-12 implications, though, as UCLA will remain firmly in the hunt with a win. The Bruins have been underwhelming to this point, but a win is absolutely necessary if they have any hope of competing for the Pac-12 title come season's end.

What They're Saying

After a 1-5 start, the Arizona Wildcats made a drastic move Monday by firing long-time head coach Mike Stoops. His overall record of 41-50 may have been underwhelming, but he left an indelible mark on many of the players he coached during his time at Arizona, according to Ryan Finley of the Arizona Daily Star

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"Stoops was great, man. He was very passionate about what he does and passionate about football," (Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Mike) Thomas said. "He was everything that a head coach was supposed to be about. He got a lot of stuff from people about the way he was, but a lot of people respected him for his style of play."

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UCLA Player to Watch: RB Johnathan Franklin

UCLA's offense has been fairly middle-of-the-pack this season, but the player that has done the bulk of the damage has been junior running back Johnathan Franklin. Through six games, Franklin has 509 rushing yards on just 77 carries, good for a 6.6 yards-per-carry average. Franklin has built off an impressive 2010 campaign that saw him run for nearly 1,200 yards. The Bruins aren't going to beat too many teams through the air, so it is vital that Franklin runs the ball effectively, and that will certainly be true against Arizona.

Arizona Player to Watch: QB Nick Foles

The one beacon of hope for Arizona in a season of disappointment has been senior quarterback Nick Foles. With 2,255 passing yards, 15 touchdowns and just four interceptions through six games, it's really a wonder that Arizona hasn't done better with that type of production.

Foles is obviously playing to win, but he may be playing to improve his draft stock against UCLA as much as anything. It isn't yet known where Foles might go in April's draft, but it's conceivable the he could play himself into being a first- or second-round prospect.

Key Matchup: Nick Foles vs. UCLA Pass Rush

If given ample time, Nick Foles can pick apart any defense in the nation. UCLA's defense certainly isn't bulletproof, so if the Bruins can't make life uncomfortable for him in the pocket, it could be a long night for UCLA in the desert. 

If they can force some quick decisions, though, it will completely throw off the timing of the Arizona offense. Despite the Wildcats' poor start, Foles hasn't really been flustered this season, so it will be interesting to see if the Bruins can force him into some bad choices.

Prediction

Arizona 34, UCLA 31