Hoosier Huddle's Game Day Primer: Indiana Hoosiers at UCLA Bruins

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Written by: TJ Inman (@TJHoosierHuddle)

What: Indiana Hoosiers (2-0) at UCLA Bruins (1-0)

When: Saturday, September 14 at 7:30 pm EST

Where: Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California

How to Watch: The game will be broadcast on NBC and can be heard on the IU Radio Network.

Series History: This will be the first meeting on the gridiron between IU and UCLA. Of course, the two have met multiple times on the hardwood but this is the first football meeting between the schools. This is the Big Ten opener for Indiana and the inaugural Big Ten game for the UCLA Bruins.

What’s at Stake: It would be difficult to overstate just how important this game could be for the Indiana Hoosiers. After a lot of hype and excitement surrounding the hiring of Curt Cignetti, IU began the season with a rock-solid win over Florida International followed by a record-setting victory over Western Illinois. The Hoosiers have gotten the attention of fans and have an opportunity on Saturday night, at a historic venue, in a game being shown on NBC against a big-time opponent. This is one of several “toss-up” games that will determine how successful year one under Curt Cignetti ends up being. Indiana has taken care of business in two of the “must win” non-conference games and they have one more next week against Charlotte. Winning three of the toss-up or swing games is the path to a bowl game for the Hoosiers and Saturday night is the first of those opportunities. 

A FEW THINGS TO LOOK FOR

1. Battle in the Trenches

The more physical team wins the fight. UCLA was incredibly physical on the offensive and defensive lines in 2023 and it helped propel them to a bowl game. A shaky week one performance from the offensive line against Hawai’I raised concerns about how much of that will carryover under a new head coach and new offensive coordinator but the Bruins’ defensive line was really good against the Rainbow Warriors. Indiana has not been known for their physicality in recent years but Curt Cignetti has made it very clear that he expects his team to be the most physical team on the field in every outing. Through two games, that has certainly been the case. IU’s offensive line has looked much improved and the Hoosiers have averaged 6.4 yards per rush and already have ten scores on the ground. For context, IU had 13 rushing touchdowns in the entirety of the 2023 campaign. Saturday night in the Rose Bowl will be, by far, the stiffest test this regime has faced thus far. Florida International is a solid team but UCLA is a conference opponent with legitimate power conference players and size. Indiana’s offensive line will need to set the tone, give a clean pocket to Kurtis Rourke and open up enough space for rushing success to keep IU’s offense balanced. On the other side of the ball, Indiana’s defensive line has been a pleasant surprise but they’ll be tasked with standing up to a plus-sized offensive line and a stable of good running backs against a team that will probably try to lean on the running game.

2. Explosive Plays

It could be difficult for either team to continually sustain long drives and toss-up games like this one are often decided by which team can hit some explosive plays. The Hoosiers struggled to connect on opportunities in the passing game in the season-opener that would have gone for long gains but they turned that around and had a lot of success against Western Illinois. UCLA did not really show anything that could be considered dangerous in the passing game in the season opener but we know they have a good trio of wideouts in Rico Flores, Logan Loya and J. Michael Sturdivant. Through two games, IU has not had any of the busted coverages or blown assignments fans were so accustomed to seeing in the past few seasons and that needs to continue on Saturday evening against UCLA. Limiting their run game, forcing Ethan Garbers into obvious passing situations and then pressuring him with Bryant Haines’ blitz packages would be ideal for the IU defense.

3. Managing the Moment

How often in the past several years have Indiana fans been excited for a big moment only to watch the Hoosiers get punched in the mouth and then curl up into a fetal position and take a beating, wilting in the face of adversity and going out with a whimper. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. This game is only game three in a long season and either outcome does not make or break IU’s season. Nonetheless, this is a very important opportunity in the early stages of Curt Cignetti’s tenure. This is UCLA’s first Big Ten game, it’s being played at a historic venue and it’s on NBC with a national audience. Can the Hoosiers seize the moment or will they prove to be not quite ready for primetime?

Game Day Watch Party at The Upstairs Pub (430 E. Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington)

  • Saturday night is the first of four watch parties for away IU football games at The Pub

  • Starlight Distillery (known for Hoosiers Connect Vodka) is the sponsor for the Watch Party and The Hoosier Shooter and the Cream & Crimson themed drinks will be available

  • 100 Free T-Shirts courtesy of Starlight Distillery will be handed out at 5 pm

  • DJ Unique will start spinning at 5 pm until kickoff

  • $7 Coors Light 24 oz. Drafts

  • As always, there is no cover charge…events are ALWAYS FREE

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