No 2 Indiana Faces Rejuvenated UCLA in Pivotal Big Ten Showdown

Indiana football, ranked No. 2 and holding a 7-0 record, is set to face a rejuvenated UCLA Bruins team that has won its last three games despite a 3-4 overall record. UCLA's interim coaches Tim Skipper and Jerry Neuheisel have sparked a turnaround, particularly through quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who combines a strong passing game with a dynamic rushing ability, posing a significant challenge for Indiana's defense. Indiana boasts a prolific offense averaging nearly 44 points and over 490 yards per game, led by quarterback Fernando Mendoza and a balanced rushing attack, making them a formidable opponent for UCLA's defense. Both teams bring strong defensive units, with Indiana's defense showing discipline across all phases and key players like Stephen Daley and Mikail Kamara expected to impact the game. The matchup features critical positional battles, especially how Indiana's defense can contain Iamaleava's dual-threat capabilities and whether UCLA's secondary can disrupt Indiana's high-powered passing offense. The game, highlighted on FOX's Big Noon Kickoff, promises to be a clash of two of the nation's hottest teams with significant implications in the Big Ten.