PASADENA, Calif. — Welcome to the Rosen Bowl, Virginia.
UCLA freshman quarterback Josh Rosen’s debut is the main event Saturday in the season opener for the 13th-ranked Bruins and the Cavaliers.
The 18-year-old prodigy will replace three-year starter Brett Hundley on Pasadena’s famous turf against a solid ACC opponent. The Bruins are quietly thrilled by Rosen’s maturity and aptitude in practice, but it’s finally time to see how quickly it will translate into games.
“This kid is truly special, so it’s going to be great to see him grow up,” UCLA receiver Jordan Payton said.
Opposite Rosen will be a Virginia defense with an accomplished secondary and a burning desire to start off the season with a landmark victory.