The No. 2 Hoosiers (7-0, 4-0) host Fox’s Big Noon Kickoff game when they take on the UCLA Bruins(3-4, 3-1) on Saturday. The Hoosiers have a 13-game home winning streak and have won 12 of their last 13 Big Ten conference games. Another sellout crowd will be on hand at Merchants Bank Field at Memorial Stadium. Here’s what the Hoosiers need to do to keep the momentum rolling…
1. Be Alert For Anything and Everything
UCLA is playing with house money, don’t tell the FBI. The Bruins started the season 0-4 and were left for dead. They find their head coach, offensive and defensive coordinators and have been playing well since a 17-14 loss at Northwestern. While the Bruins can still control their own destiny in the Big Ten and become postseason eligible, they are taking chances other teams may not. There was an onside kick after their first touchdown against Penn State and a fake punt against Michigan State. Indiana has to be alert for any and all trick plays that UCLA may pull off.
2. Cause Havoc on Defense
The Hoosiers rank second in all of college football with 66 tackles for loss and creating havoc (tackles for loss, sacks, turnovers) is going to be a major key in moving to 8-0 (5-0). The Hoosiers will be without Kellan Wyatt who was second in tackles for loss this season for the Hoosiers with 8. IU’s defense has made every quarterback they have played uncomfortable with their simulated pressure and it has paid off early in games with sacks and turnovers.Havoc on defense will plant the seed of doubt in the offense’s mind that will allow IU to be victorious.
UCLA’s pass blocking is graded by Pro Football Focus at 61.7 (87th nationally). They have allowed 16 sacks and 32 tackles for loss so far this season.
3. Don’t Let Nico Beat You
All eyes will be on UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava and rightfully so. Since the coaching changes, he has been living up to his billing making plays with his feet and arm. However, the Hoosiers can’t just let him beat them. IU has to take away UCLA’s best player and make the Bruins beat them another way. UCLA still has playmakers in wide receiver Rico Flores and running back Jalen Berger, but it all starts with Iamleava.
4. Run The Ball
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza has shredded nearly every opponent he has faced this year and Saturday should not be much different for the IU air attack. However, it is much easier to win when both the passing and rushing attack are clicking. UCLA is the worst run defense in the Big Ten allowing 186 yards per game. The Bruins will likely gear up for Mendoza to find Omar Cooper, Elijah Sarratt and EJ Williams, so the holes should be there for Roman Hemby, Kaelon Black and Khobie Martin to chew up yards and give the Hoosiers a two-pronged attack.