Oct 182 min read

UCLA Desperate for Breakthrough as Rutgers Moves Forward

With both teams desperately seeking a win to break their losing streaks, UCLA (1-5, 0-4 Big Ten Conference) will travel to Rutgers (4-2, 1-2) on Oct. 19 for a critical matchup. The Bruins have struggled to find their offensive rhythm all season, while the Scarlet Knights are looking to bounce back from two tough losses after a strong start. Both teams need a victory to regain momentum and avoid falling further behind in their respective campaigns.

What's at Stake

Rutgers began their season with a four-game winning streak, their best start since 2012. However, they are now reeling from two consecutive losses, including a humbling 42-7 defeat at home to Wisconsin (4-2, 2-1) last week. With an embattled UCLA Bruins team coming to town, the Scarlet Knights are eager to rebound in a big way. On the other hand, UCLA is looking to end a five-game losing streak, with their only win this season coming in the opener against Hawai'i (2-4, 0-2 Mountain West Conference). Although the Bruins lost again last week to Minnesota (4-3, 2-2), they played a competitive game and were in it until the end. Both teams are desperate to snap their respective skids.

Key Players: Rutgers

Senior quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis doesn’t need to put up spectacular numbers to secure a win. Still, he’ll have to manage the game efficiently and avoid costly turnovers against a desperate Bruins team. The Scarlet Knights’ biggest offensive weapon is senior running back Kyle Monangai, who will be crucial in controlling the clock and setting the tempo.

On defense, junior linebacker Dariel Djabome will play a vital role in containing a UCLA offense that has struggled to find its rhythm all season.

Key Players: UCLA

The Bruins' offense has struggled this season, but they showed improvement last week by staying competitive until the end. Senior QB Ethan Garbers needs to protect the ball and make crucial throws on third downs to keep the offense moving. A key to that will be getting junior RB TJ Harden involved early. Harden leads the team in both rush attempts and receptions, making him an essential part of their offensive game plan. On defense, junior LB Carson Schwesinger continues to be a standout, and his play will be vital if UCLA hopes to pull off an upset on the road against Rutgers.

Trends to Watch

UCLA's offense has been stagnant all season, failing to score more than 17 points in any game. Even their lone win in the opener saw them struggle, putting up just 16 points. To pull off an upset against Rutgers, the Bruins must find a way to reignite their beleaguered offensive unit and create new scoring opportunities. On the flip side, Rutgers began the season on an offensive high, putting up 40-plus points in their first two games. However, their attack has stalled in recent weeks, with only 7 points scored in each of their last two contests. The Scarlet Knights will need to rediscover their offensive firepower to regain momentum and avoid a third straight loss.