Each of UCLA football’s last four opponents has entered the Associated Press Top 25 rankings. That softens the blow of the fact that the Bruins are still searching for their second win of the season and first win in the Big Ten Conference.
“We are right there,” UCLA head coach DeShaun Foster said. “We’re capable of playing teams that are ranked in the Top 10. Indiana is undefeated. We’ve just gotta continue to put a full game together. Not necessarily beat ourselves but go out there and execute.”
UCLA (1-4 overall, 0-3 Big Ten) has perhaps its best chance at breaking its 0-3 start in the conference Saturday evening against Minnesota (3-3, 1-2).
The Golden Gophers, who come into the game in 12th place in the Big Ten, are the lowest-ranked conference team the Bruins have seen this season. They can’t be overlooked, however, after last week’s upset of No. 11 USC, which knocked the Trojans out of the Top 25.
UCLA’s offense has been taking small steps forward each week, even though it’s unclear who will start at quarterback in Saturday’s game, which brings together UCLA and Minnesota for the first time since 1978. Eric Bienemy’s offense, which has been described as complicated by players, seems to be coming into focus.
“We’re starting to work as a unit instead of individuals or individual groups,” Bruins receiver Logan Loya told reporters Tuesday. “It’s starting to look more like a full offense. We’re understanding everything so we can call out what’s coming and we can all go off of the look that we have.”
The offensive line was reconfigured in the absence of tackle Reuben Unije, but the combination fared well for UCLA in its loss last week to then-No. 7 Penn State. Quarterback Justyn Martin, who was making his first start as a Bruin, was sacked only twice.
The new combination on the line demonstrates the depth that is starting to come to fruition — something Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck observed during a press conference Wednesday.
“If you really study and watch them, they’ve got a lot of talent in every area,” he said.
Saturday will be the second home game of the season that has occurred while school is in session. The new student section has already proved to be a hit and adds to the optimism the Bruins have maintained in their difficult conference stretch.
‘We pride ourselves on who we are,” UCLA defensive back Ramon Henderson said. “I don’t think we’ve been having the endings or outcomes that we want, but we’re still gonna fight until we fall, until the whistle, until we’re done with. It could be four quarters, 12 rounds in a fight. You got to go until you can’t go no more.”
When Minnesota has the ball
The Golden Gophers’ offense averages 216.3 passing yards per game. Quarterback Max Brosmer has completed 67.6% of his passes this season for 1,263 yards and six touchdowns. The grad student spreads the ball well among receivers Daniel Jackson, Elijah Spencer and Darius Taylor – each has more than 200 receiving yards on the season.
UCLA’s defense against the run has been more productive than its pass rush, which has allowed an average of 280.2 yards per game. However, individual players have made improvements that could contribute to the whole. Oluwafemi Oladejo has started the past two games at edge and has recorded four tackles for loss, 26 total tackles, a sack and two QB hurries this season. Former walk-on linebacker Carson Schwesinger has had a breakout season and leads the team with 49 tackles.
Minnesota’s special teams can’t be overlooked either. Freshman safety Koi Perich is averaging 22.5 yards per punt return.
When UCLA has the ball
Foster did not indicate whether Ethan Garbers or Martin will start in Saturday’s game. Martin, a redshirt sophomore, completed 22 of 30 passes for 167 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions. Garbers is 67 for 117 this season with three touchdowns and six interceptions. Sophomore wide receiver Rico Flores, Jr., who did not play against Penn State, averages a team-best 46.75 receiving yards per game.
Whoever starts at quarterback will be tested against a Golden Gophers defense that is the best in the nation against the pass. Minnesota gives up just 114.0 passing yards per game. It held USC quarterback Miller Moss to a season-low 200 yards on 23-of-38 passing with one touchdown and two interceptions.
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Linebacker Cody Lindenberg leads Minnesota with 42 tackles and defensive lineman Jah Joyner has logged 3.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and six QB hurries.
In addition to Perich’s work on special teams, he had a breakout game against USC in which he posted six tackles, forced a fumble and logged his second interception of the season.
Minnesota (3-3, 1-2 Big Ten) at UCLA (1-4, 0-3)
When: 6 p.m. Saturday
Where: Rose Bowl
TV/Radio: Big Ten Network/AM 570