Introduction to UCLA’s Struggles
UCLA showed some fight late in its Big Ten Conference opener Saturday afternoon at Martin Stadium while ultimately falling victim to the same problems that had plagued it before the dismissal of coach DeShaun Foster. An incredibly slow start in which it fell behind by multiple scores, an offense that can’t run the ball or consistently sustain drives, and a defense that can’t stop the run or prevent big plays have become recurring themes for the Bruins.
The Loss to Northwestern
The Bruins are officially on 0-12 watch after completing what was supposed to be the soft part of their schedule with a 17-14 loss to Northwestern. “Just wish, man, we had played the first half better,” Tim Skipper said after his debut as UCLA’s interim coach, “because I think it would have been a different outcome.” The finish left UCLA with heartache by the lake. The Bruins (0-4 overall, 0-1 Big Ten) were in position to tie the score or take the lead after stopping Northwestern on three consecutive plays, including a third-down sack by defensive lineman Gary Smith III that helped the Bruins get the ball back at their own 20-yard line with 1:29 left after a punt.
Offensive Struggles
Iamaleava was once again practically the only thing going for UCLA’s offense. He completed 19 of 27 passes for 180 yards and a touchdown while also running for a team-high 65 yards in 14 carries as part of an offensive game plan that emphasized quarterback runs. Running backs Jaivian Thomas, Jalen Berger, and Anthony Woods combined for 66 yards and averaged 4.4 yards per carry. “We just need to execute, man,” Iamaleava said when asked what it would take for the running backs to have more success. “Execute up front — know who our keys and our reads are and really just execute up front.”
Defensive Issues
Northwestern did not have nearly as much trouble moving the ball on the ground. Caleb Komolafe gained a career-high 119 yards in 27 carries as part of a run game that collected 199 yards. Part of UCLA’s defensive struggles could be pinned on running a new scheme being called by Kevin Coyle after his in-season arrival last week from Syracuse to essentially take over for departed defensive coordinator Ikaika Malloe. “The first half, we were thinking too much and not making plays and the second half,” Skipper said, “we started making the plays and then obviously it’s going to look better.”
Late-Game Efforts
Perhaps the only upside to this loss was that the Bruins didn’t give up. UCLA’s Anthony Woods carries the ball as Northwestern’s Aidan Hubbard tries to tackle him during the first half Saturday. After looking lifeless for the first 3½ quarters, UCLA received a big jolt when wide receiver Kwazi Gilmer beat his man and snagged a 29-yard touchdown pass from Iamaleava in the back of the end zone. Iamaleava’s pass to Woods on the two-point conversion pulled the Bruins to within 17-14 with 6:19 left. UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava scrambles against Northwestern in the second half Saturday.
Conclusion
The loss to Northwestern marks a significant setback for UCLA, leaving them on a path towards a potentially winless season. With a tough schedule ahead, including a game against No. 3 Penn State at the Rose Bowl next weekend, the Bruins face an uphill battle to turn their season around. As they head into the remainder of their schedule, the question remains whether they can find a way to overcome their consistent struggles and secure a win.
FAQs
- Q: What is UCLA’s current record after the loss to Northwestern?
A: UCLA is 0-4 overall and 0-1 in the Big Ten Conference. - Q: What were some of the key issues for UCLA in the loss?
A: UCLA struggled with a slow start, an inability to run the ball or sustain drives on offense, and difficulties in stopping the run and preventing big plays on defense. - Q: Who was the standout player for UCLA in the game?
A: Nico Iamaleava was once again a key player for UCLA, completing 19 of 27 passes for 180 yards and a touchdown, and also running for a team-high 65 yards. - Q: What’s next for UCLA?
A: UCLA faces No. 3 Penn State at the Rose Bowl next weekend, followed by a remaining schedule where they could be underdogs every week.
