The UCLA Bruins (3-4, 3-1) have gone through a resurgence since overhauling their coaching staff after week three. The Bruins are playing with more effort and energy and have become one of the better storylines in the Big Ten. Much of that success is because quarterback Nico Iamaleava is playing more to his potential than at the beginning of the season.
In UCLA’s three wins this season Iamaleava has thrown for 567 yards, six touchdowns and just two interceptions. On the ground, where he is just as dangerous, Iamaleava has 156 yards (5.4 yards per carry) and three touchdowns. On the flip side, Iamaleave has thrown three interceptions and four touchdowns in UCLA’s losses and his yards per carry dipped to 4.1. He is the engine that makes this offense go.
Indiana’s trio of linebackers, Aiden Fisher, Rolijah Hardy and Isaiah Jones will be tasked with making life difficult for Iamaleava. The Bruin offensive line has graded out better per Pro Football Focus over the last three weeks, but still allowed 10 sacks in the last four games. Indiana’s defense is better than Maryland and Michigan State. In the win against Penn State, who was one of the better defensive fronts at the time the Bruins allowed nine tackles for and three sacks. The Hoosier defense will need to, and should have the opportunity to, create some havoc on Saturday.
Iamaleava did leave and return to the win over Maryland with an injury and he has not been a full participant in practice this week according to various reports. If his knee limits his mobility, it’ll be a blow to the UCLA offense, but Indiana’s linebackers will still play a key role in stopping him.
Much like Michigan State, UCLA will likely use the quick passing game to offset Indiana’s aggressive defense. They don’t throw the ball deep often because their protection just has not held up. Indiana has been susceptible to the quarterback run as well with ODU’s Colton Joseph ripping off two long touchdown runs and Michigan State’s Aidan Chiles getting 64 yards on a run last week. The Hoosiers will need to have eyes on the quarterback on Saturday whether that be with pressure or having Aiden Fisher or Rolijah Hardy spy the quarterback while the other linebackers go make plays.