By Garin Turner
The UCLA Bruins (0-3) enter Week Five still searching for their first victory of the season as they travel to face the Northwestern Wildcats (1-2) on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. EST. The game marks UCLA’s Big Ten debut and will be televised on the Big Ten Network.
A Rocky Start for UCLA
It has been a difficult opening stretch for the Bruins under head coach Chip Kelly. UCLA has dropped all three of its non-conference games, beginning with a 43-10 setback against Utah in Week One, followed by a 30-23 loss to UNLV and most recently a 35-10 defeat at New Mexico.
Quarterback Nico Iamaleava showed flashes in the loss to New Mexico, throwing for 217 yards with one touchdown and an interception while adding 33 yards on the ground. Still, the Bruins’ offense has struggled to find consistency.
By the Numbers: UCLA’s Early Struggles
Offense:
• Total offense: 324.7 yards per game (113th in FBS)
• Passing: 202.7 yards (90th)
• Rushing: 122 yards (105th)
• Scoring: 14.3 points (132nd)
Defense:
• Total defense: 431 yards allowed per game (123rd)
• Passing defense: 187 yards (51st)
• Rushing defense: 244 yards (133rd)
• Scoring defense: 36 points allowed (127th)
The Bruins’ defense has particularly struggled against the run, ranking near the bottom nationally, while the offense has yet to crack more than 23 points in a game.
Northwestern’s Outlook
Northwestern has endured its own rough start, with its lone win coming against Western Illinois in Week Two. The Wildcats’ defense has been vulnerable in the red zone, something UCLA has quietly excelled at — scoring on 100% of its red-zone trips so far.
That efficiency could be UCLA’s best chance to flip the script and secure its first win of 2024.
Keys to the Game
• Protect the Football: Iamaleava has thrown three interceptions in three games. Cutting down on turnovers will be crucial.
• Defend the Run: The Bruins must find ways to shore up their rush defense to avoid being worn down late.
• Red Zone Execution: If UCLA can maintain its perfect red-zone scoring record, they can keep pace with Northwestern.
Team Leaders
• Passing: Nico Iamaleava – 608 yards, 3 TD, 3 INT
• Rushing: Nico Iamaleava – 30 carries, 139 yards, 1 TD
• Receiving: Kwazi Gilmer – 16 catches, 174 yards
• Tackles: Isaiah Chisom – 37
• Sacks: Kechaun Bennett, Anthony Jones – 1 each
Prediction
This matchup may be UCLA’s best opportunity to grab a victory all season. With four ranked teams still ahead on the schedule, the pressure is mounting to deliver now. Northwestern has not looked convincing, but at home, the Wildcats may have just enough to edge past the Bruins.
Prediction: Northwestern 24, UCLA 21
