UCLA (3-5, 2-4 Big Ten) vs. Iowa (6-3, 4-2 Big Ten)
When: 6 p.m. Friday
Where: Rose Bowl
TV/radio: Fox (Ch. 11) /570 AM
Line: Iowa by 6.5
What’s at stake? UCLA is coming off consecutive victories for the first time this season, winning two Big Ten Conference games on the road. But the Bruins have yet to win at home in 2024, so a victory in front of the home crowd would go a long way in turning this season’s narrative around. After a 1-5 start, a UCLA win against Iowa on Friday will bring the team one game closer to a .500 record, a feat that seemed insurmountable just a couple of weeks ago.
Who’s better? It’s a tale of opposites between UCLA and Iowa when it comes to home and road contests. Iowa has been a juggernaut at home, winning five of six games with an average of 36.5 points per game at Kinnick Stadium. Iowa’s lone home loss came against in-state rival Iowa State by one point. It’s been a different story for the Hawkeyes on the road, as they are 1-2 in away contests and average 19.3 points per game. The Bruins have won all three of their games on the road and are winless at home. Something will have to give in either direction Friday night.
Matchup to watch: Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson is second in the nation in rushing (1,279 yards) and rushing touchdowns (19). He’ll go up against a UCLA run defense that ranks ninth in the nation, allowing 100.4 rushing yards per game. UCLA defensive linemen Jay Toia and Devin Aupiu each recorded three tackles last week against Nebraska and linebacker Carson Schwesinger again led the team with nine solo tackles. All three and the rest of the Bruins’ defense will be keeping close eye on Johnson. “I think they’re excited for this challenge because you know when you’re playing against a potential Heisman Trophy candidate, you want to be at your best,” UCLA head coach DeShaun Foster said about Johnson at practice this week. “I know Jay’s fired up for it, Carson is pretty fired up for it. I think the whole defense is ready for this challenge.”
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UCLA wins if: The Bruins’ offense can keep its defense well rested by extending drives and controlling the clock. The best way to stop Johnson and the Hawkeyes’ offense is by keeping that unit off the field. UCLA quarterback Ethan Garbers is in the midst of playing his best football this season behind an offensive line that has come together as of late. If UCLA can burn the clock, win the turnover battle and limit the amount of opportunities Iowa has with the ball, a victory is well within reach.
Prediction: UCLA 28, Iowa 27. The Bruins look like they’ve finally hit their stride, especially on the offensive side. Garbers is taking care of the ball, using his legs to extend plays and connecting with his plethora of pass-catchers. UCLA is itching to win its first game at the Rose Bowl this season and gets a great opportunity against an Iowa team that struggles on the road.