When: 4:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Rose Bowl
TV/radio: NBC, Peacock/AM 1150
Line: Indiana by 3
What’s at stake? UCLA has to save some face, especially on offense, after a slow start against Hawai’i in its season opener Aug. 31. First-year head coach DeShaun Foster and his coaching staff – which also has several new faces – come off of the bye week with another chance to show they can successfully usher UCLA into a new era of Big Ten football. Indiana, a hard-nosed and blue-collar team, will be tough to get through unless the Bruins can execute in every phase of the game.
Who’s better? These teams will meet for the first time ever Saturday. Indiana has a high-scoring offense and a formidable defense that has bested opponents 108-10 in two games. But FIU and Western Illinois, which the Hoosiers have played so far, don’t exactly compare to UCLA and the defense that has developed under defensive coordinator Ikaika Malloe. The Hoosiers rank third nationally in total defense as well as rushing defense. They have the potential to stop UCLA’s run and force the Bruins to make poor decisions in its passing game.
Matchup to watch: Indiana’s passing has earned a lot of attention but UCLA’s defensive front can’t look past its rushing attack, which averages 278.5 yards per game and ranks 11th in the nation. The Hoosiers play a physical brand of football and running backs Justice Ellison and Ty Son Lawton will attempt to run through the Bruins. UCLA’s rushing defense held Hawai’i, its only opponent of the season, to 51 rushing yards.
UCLA wins if: The Bruins will need to start strong – and that doesn’t mean just bringing early energy to the game. Limiting Indiana’s offense on first and second downs will be critical to forcing third-and-long scenarios in which UCLA’s pass rush can get to work and go after quarterback Kurtis Rourke, who is primarily a pocket passer.
Prediction: Indiana 21, UCLA 17. The Bruins’ Big Ten introduction will be bruising, but provide many learning opportunities. Expect special teams to play a part, especially after Mateen Bhaghani went 3 for 3 on field goals and kicked the 32-yard game-winner against Hawai’i.
