UCLA Seek Redemption vs. Rutgers as Both Teams Aim for Big Ten Breakthrough
UCLA Bruins Seek Redemption vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights as Both Teams Aim for Big Ten Breakthrough
This Saturday, the UCLA Bruins will travel to Piscataway, NJ, to take on the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in an intriguing East Coast vs. West Coast clash at SHI Stadium. Kickoff is set for noon ET. As the Scarlet Knights enter the game as 4.5-point favorites, the total points for the game are projected at 40.5.
Struggles for UCLA Bruins
The Bruins suffered a heart-wrenching 21-17 defeat to Minnesota last weekend, extending their losing streak to four games. Despite a strong defensive performance that kept the Golden Gophers scoreless in the first half, UCLA couldn’t maintain momentum in the second half, allowing Minnesota to score the game-winning touchdown with just 27 seconds left on the clock. The Bruins remain in search of their first Big Ten victory, grappling with the challenges of their new conference.
UCLA’s offense, led by senior quarterback Ethan Garbers, has struggled significantly this season. Garbers has completed 60.1% of his passes for 1,101 yards, tallying four touchdowns but also throwing nine interceptions. His primary receiving targets include running back T.J. Harden (21 receptions, 204 yards) and wide receiver Rico Flores Jr. (12 receptions, 187 yards). The Bruins’ ground game features Harden (55 carries, 166 yards) and Jalen Berger (25 carries, 99 yards), but overall, the rushing attack has not been impactful.
UCLA ranks 133rd in scoring, averaging just 14.5 points per game, and 130th in total offense with 272.8 yards. Their passing game is slightly better, averaging 213.3 yards (87th), but their ground game lags behind at 59.5 yards per game (132nd). The Bruins’ third-down conversion rate stands at 33.8% (109th), and they have managed to score on 86.6% of their red zone opportunities (59th).
Defensively, UCLA allows 28.5 points per game (97th) and 358.2 total yards (67th), struggling particularly against the pass, giving up 265.7 yards through the air (117th). They have accumulated just 9 sacks this season (104th) and forced only four turnovers (119th), highlighting a need for improvement on both sides of the ball.
Scarlet Knights Look to Boost Kaliakmanis
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights faced a daunting task last week, falling 42-7 to Wisconsin in a game where they were outgained 549-271. Rutgers didn’t score until the fourth quarter, and their offensive struggles were compounded by dropped passes that stymied drives, leaving them overly reliant on their running game. Averaging only 3.2 yards per pass, the Knights’ offense needs to diversify to keep defenses off balance.
Leading the way for Rutgers is senior running back Kyle Monangai, who has rushed for 739 yards and seven touchdowns this season. Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis, a transfer from Minnesota, has struggled recently, completing just 52.1% of his passes and failing to eclipse 200 passing yards in his last three games. The Scarlet Knights’ receiving corps is led by senior wide receiver Dymere Miller (21 receptions, 279 yards, 1 TD) and junior tight end Kenny Fletcher (20 receptions, 137 yards, 2 TDs).
Rutgers averages 25.7 points per game (89th) and 374.5 total yards (83rd). Their passing game ranks 115th in the nation at 175.0 yards, while their rushing attack ranks much better at 199.5 yards (34th). The Scarlet Knights convert 38.8% of their third downs (71st) but have struggled in the red zone, scoring on just 66.6% of their opportunities (127th).
On defense, Rutgers has allowed 20.2 points per game (36th) and 369.8 total yards (74th), showcasing a balanced defense that limits both the pass (187.0 yards allowed, 34th) and the run (182.8 yards allowed, 110th). The Knights have tallied 9 sacks (104th) and forced eight turnovers (58th) this season.
Conclusion
As UCLA and Rutgers prepare for their first-ever meeting, both teams are desperate for a win to turn around their seasons. Can the Bruins finally secure their inaugural Big Ten victory, or will the Scarlet Knights find their footing and capitalize on their home-field advantage? Tune in this Saturday to witness what promises to be an engaging showdown filled with playoff implications.
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