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UCLA Faces Steep Test as They Aim to ‘Keep Building’ Against Nebraska
UCLA has a fresh boost of confidence in their first Big Ten season after securing their first conference win, but a challenging road game awaits them as they take on the Nebraska Cornhuskers on Saturday. This clash represents a key opportunity for both teams — UCLA looks to continue building momentum, while Nebraska aims to bounce back after two tough losses.
UCLA’s Quest for Consistency
After a tough start to the season, the Bruins (2-5, 1-4 Big Ten) finally found their stride in a thrilling 35-32 win over Rutgers. Quarterback Ethan Garbers led the charge with a stellar performance, completing 32 of 38 passes for 383 yards and four touchdowns. The victory gave the Bruins a taste of success and a week of recovery with their bye, putting them in a stronger position to face a formidable Nebraska defense.
The Bruins’ offensive line showed improvement against Rutgers but still allowed three sacks, adding to the season total of 20. Garrett DiGiorgio, one of UCLA’s offensive linemen, emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum and protecting the quarterback, saying, “We’re starting to gain confidence…we’re tired of letting [the quarterback] get hit.” As the Bruins aim to protect Garbers better, they’ll face a stiff challenge against Nebraska’s pass rush.
Nebraska’s Defensive Strengths and Recent Struggles
Nebraska (5-3, 2-3 Big Ten) started the season strong, posting a 5-1 record before stumbling in recent weeks. The Cornhuskers were handed a heavy 56-7 loss by then-No. 16 Indiana, only to rebound with a hard-fought game against No. 4 Ohio State. While they ultimately lost 21-17, Nebraska displayed the kind of defensive resilience that has been their hallmark this season.
In Nebraska’s five wins, they’ve held opponents to an impressive 7.4 points per game. Their defensive line, led by Ty Robinson, has tallied 23 sacks this season, showing an aggressive style that has stymied many offenses. Robinson said after the Ohio State game, “The standard was set even higher on Saturday…everyone knows what it takes during the week in practice.” This mindset will be essential for Nebraska as they seek to keep Garbers and UCLA’s offense in check.
Key Players to Watch
UCLA Bruins
- Ethan Garbers (QB): Garbers’ career-best performance against Rutgers was a testament to his growing confidence and the improving chemistry with his receivers. His accuracy and poise will be critical as UCLA faces Nebraska’s fierce pass rush.
- Garrett DiGiorgio (OL): As the leader of UCLA’s offensive line, DiGiorgio will be key in containing Nebraska’s pressure and giving Garbers time to operate.
- Kazmeir Allen (WR): Allen, who’s been a versatile weapon for the Bruins, could play a crucial role in opening up the offense. His speed makes him a deep threat that Nebraska’s defense must respect.
Nebraska Cornhuskers
- Ty Robinson (DL): Robinson leads a disciplined defensive line that sets the tone for Nebraska’s defense. His presence and leadership will be central to keeping UCLA’s offense under pressure.
- Heinrich Haarberg (QB): While Nebraska’s offense has relied heavily on defense, Haarberg has shown flashes of promise, especially in close games. His playmaking ability could help Nebraska create a balanced attack.
- Rahmir Johnson (RB): With Nebraska’s tendency to control the game through ground-and-pound tactics, Johnson’s production on the ground could prove decisive.
Game Outlook and Keys to Victory
For UCLA: The Bruins must maintain the offensive momentum they built against Rutgers. Protecting Garbers is key, as Nebraska’s pass rush will be one of the toughest they’ve faced this season. If UCLA’s line can buy Garbers enough time, the passing game could keep the Cornhuskers’ defense on its heels.
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For Nebraska: Nebraska’s defense has shown that it can contain high-powered offenses, but they’ll need consistent pressure on Garbers and strong tackling to limit UCLA’s potential playmakers. Offensively, the Cornhuskers would benefit from establishing a steady run game to control the clock and keep UCLA’s defense on the field.
Prediction
Both teams have much to prove, but Nebraska’s defense has been dominant, especially when controlling the pace of the game. For UCLA, the path to victory will be uphill against a disciplined Cornhuskers unit, and it may come down to whether they can protect Garbers long enough to break through the defense. Nebraska, however, has the home advantage and the defensive depth to make it difficult for the Bruins.
