The UCLA Bruins finally showed signs of life last week, pulling off a stunning upset over Penn State. Now the Bruins head to East Lansing to face Michigan State, a team that has dropped two straight and is looking to get back on track.
The Spartans are favored by a touchdown, but if UCLA plays to its strengths, this game can stay close deep into the fourth quarter.
Ride Nico Iamaleava
Everything the UCLA Bruins do starts with Nico Iamaleava. The sophomore quarterback accounted for all five touchdowns against Penn State, throwing for two and running for three more.
He has the arm to stretch the field and the legs to escape pressure, and that dual threat has become the engine of the offense.
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The Bruins need to keep him moving, mixing designed runs, quick throws, and RPOs to keep the Spartans off balance. When Iamaleava settles into rhythm early, the whole offense follows.
UCLA Bruins Must Finish Drives
The Bruins can move the ball, but finishing drives has been a problem all season. They rank near the bottom of the Big Ten in red zone scoring, leaving 55 points on the field through five games. That has to change.
UCLA cannot afford to settle for field goals, especially against a Michigan State defense that has been inconsistent against mobile quarterbacks. The goal should be to score touchdowns on early drives, take the crowd out of the game, and force the Spartans to play from behind.
Win At The Line Of Scrimmage
UCLA’s offensive line has struggled to protect and open lanes in short yardage. That issue carries over to special teams, where blocking breakdowns have led to pressure on kicker Mateen Bhaghani. If the line holds up, it will give Iamaleava more time to throw and stabilize the offense.
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On defense, the front seven has to play better against the run. The Bruins are allowing more than 200 rushing yards per game, and Michigan State will try to exploit that with running back Makhi Frazier and quarterback Aidan Chiles.
Make Aidan Chiles Earn It
Chiles is talented but still raw. UCLA’s defense needs to make him uncomfortable. Force him to make quick decisions, disguise coverage, and bring pressure from different angles. If the Bruins can get stops on early downs and make Michigan State throw, the odds tilt in their favor.
The Bottom Line
UCLA has a real shot to win if it stays disciplined and capitalizes on chances. Let Iamaleava control the game, tighten up red zone execution, and stop the run. Do those things, and the UCLA Bruins can make Michigan State sweat well into the final quarter.
