As the UCLA Bruins prepare to host Iowa at the Rose Bowl this Friday, they come into the matchup with momentum after a pair of close conference victories.
With head coach DeShaun Foster at the helm, the Bruins (3-5, 2-4 Big Ten) hope to continue this upswing against a stout Iowa team (6-3, 4-2 Big Ten).
The Bruins will rely on a renewed offensive approach and a resilient defense as they face an Iowa squad known for strong defense and disciplined play. This game marks the first meeting between these programs since the 1986 Rose Bowl.
UCLA Bruins Offense: Garbers’ Efficiency Key To Success
UCLA Bruins quarterback Ethan Garbers has led the team through back-to-back multi-touchdown games, demonstrating increased consistency and efficiency. Last week, Garbers threw for 219 yards and two touchdowns against Nebraska, adding a career-long 57-yard rush that energized UCLA’s offense.
His play earned him UCLA’s first-ever Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week award in the win over Rutgers, where he threw for 383 yards and four touchdowns.
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Garbers has shown an ability to move the ball effectively with short passes and screen plays, targeting reliable options like Moliki Matavao and Logan Loya.
However, the Bruins’ offense ranks last in the Big Ten in points per game (18.6), and they’ll need to establish more sustained drives to keep Iowa’s defense on the field.
Carson Schwesinger Anchors UCLA Bruins Defense
On the defensive end, linebacker Carson Schwesinger has been a dominant presence, leading the Big Ten with 10.6 tackles per game. His relentless pursuit and tackling ability have been pivotal for the Bruins, helping them maintain one of the top pass defenses in the conference.
Schwesinger’s 13 tackles against Nebraska last week marked his sixth straight game with double-digit tackles, and he’s a semifinalist for the Butkus Award.
The Bruins’ defensive strength lies in their pass defense, ranked second in the Big Ten in yards allowed per game, thanks to solid performances from secondary players like Bryan Addison and KJ Wallace.
However, they’ve struggled in the red zone and will need to limit Iowa’s time of possession to keep this a close contest.
Iowa’s Strength: Dominant Defense And Efficient Offense
Iowa’s defense ranks among the best in the Big Ten, holding opponents to an average of 18.0 points per game. The Hawkeyes excel at forcing turnovers and have a top-tier third-down defense, giving up conversions at only 31.6%, second-best in the conference.
Iowa’s offense, led by an experienced offensive line, features a ground game that averages over 220 rushing yards per game, the highest in the Big Ten. Running Backs Kaleb Johnson and Leshon Williams have been consistent contributors, and Iowa’s efficient run game has helped control the clock and wear down opposing defenses.
This approach could pose a challenge for a UCLA Bruins defensive line that’s allowed 98.6 rushing yards per game, ranking them 11th in the nation.
Key Matchups To Watch
- UCLA Bruins Run Defense vs. Iowa’s Ground Game: UCLA’s defense will be tasked with containing Iowa’s powerful running backs. If Schwesinger and the Bruins’ linebackers can limit big gains on the ground, they could disrupt Iowa’s rhythm and create third-down stops.
- Garbers vs. Iowa’s Secondary: Garbers has shown growth in his decision-making, but Iowa’s defense is known for creating turnovers. Avoiding interceptions and managing game tempo will be critical for the UCLA offense to avoid giving Iowa easy field position.
- Special Teams Play: UCLA kicker Mateen Bhaghani has been reliable, hitting field goals from as far as 54 yards. Field position will likely play a big role, and a few key special teams plays could make the difference in a low-scoring game.
Game Outlook
Iowa enters the game as a favorite, but with home-field advantage and recent momentum, UCLA is prepared to challenge the Hawkeyes.
If Garbers and the UCLA Bruins offense can put early points on the board and the defense can hold up against Iowa’s running attack, the Bruins could turn this into a competitive game.