Kevin Coyle's revamped defense toughest test is ahead

Kevin Coyle has led a resurgent UCLA Bruins defense that is not afraid to lower their shoulder and hit. They are also playing sound coverage and hitting gaps on running lanes. Over the last three games they have done this against Drew Allar, Aidan Chiles and Malik Washington. Good quarterbacks, but what lies ahead is a whole different ballgame.

Enter Fernando Mendoza and Julian Sayin. Two of the top quarterbacks in the nation who are right in the thick of the Heisman race. The UCLA defense is going to get the best test they could ask for over the next three weeks. With Dylan Raiola sandwiched in the middle of the Indiana and Ohio State game. This will be the true reality to see how much this Bruins defense can show up on the biggest of stages.

Mendoza has the Indiana offense zooming up and down the field with ease. They were tested against a good Iowa defense and squeezed out a win there. Then were close with Oregon before pulling away. They have played the bulk of their tough schedule and now finish with five unranked opponents starting with the Bruins.

Curt Cignetti raised praise for this UCLA team and said they are preparing for a 3-0 team and not the team from a month ago. He understands that the Bruins are a different team and are playing like a ranked opponent. This is no walkover and he understands the magnitude that the game holds with the Bruins under the defensive helm of Coyle.

Tim Skipper and Coyle have passed every test they have been given so far. Saturday will be the biggest of them yet. Coyle has been excellent drawing up schemes for different quarterbacks. He needs to have his best scheme yet if UCLA wants to shock the world on Big Noon Kickoff day.