UCLA vs. Indiana game preview and prediction

How to watch UCLA Bruins vs. Indiana Hoosiers

Date and Time: Sep 14 (Sat) 4:30 p.m. PT

Where: The Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA

Watch TV: NBC | Streaming: Peacock

Listen: Radio: UCLA Bruins Audio Network

Pregame coverage: NBC Big Saturday airs pregame coverage of the game.

Getting to know Indiana

In the 2024 Indiana Hoosiers football season, we witnessed a significant improvement in offense compared to last year. Indiana started the season 1-2 in 2023 and scored a total of 44 points. This season, the Hoosiers are under the leadership of new head coach Curt Cignetti and are 2-0 and have scored a total of 108 points. The Hoosiers have showcased a revitalized offense and a more competitive defense this season, but to be fair, Indiana opened with Ohio State last season, and this season, the Hoosiers played FCS opponent Western Illinois.

Offensive resurgence: The Hoosiers' offense, led by quarterback Kurtis Rourke, has been a central bright spot. Rourke's efficient play and strong decision-making helped the team achieve improved offensive production. Through two games he has completed 30 of his 41 passing attempts for a total of 448 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions. He is not known as a dual-threat quarterback but he also has a rushing touchdown on the season as well.

Defensive improvements: While the defense still had room for growth, there have been noticeable improvements in certain areas. The Hoosiers were able to limit opposing offenses and create turnovers this season. They created one turnover against FIU in their season opener, an interception, and limited the Panthers' offense to only 53 rushing yards and seven points. Against Western Illinois, the defense was able to make Western Illinois turn the ball over three times and return one of their two interceptions for a touchdown. The Hoosier's defense limited the Leathernecks to only 12 yards rushing and only three points.

UCLA and Indiana Game Preview

UCLA is coming off a bye week and will be well-rested for its first Big Ten game. This is Indiana's first road game of the season and the Bruins' season opener. These two schools in football don't have a ay history of playing one another.

Indiana is one of many FBS schools that the Bruins have not played in football but that will all change come Saturday. This game will also have special meeting as it will be NBC's highlighted Saturday night game and it will be the first game that UCLA will play in as a football team in the Big Ten conference.

UCLA's offense did not look good in its season opener against the Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors. The team committed two turnovers, rushed the ball for only 71 yards, and produced only one touchdown.

However, with a bye week and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy able to review the film and make adjustments, the Bruins' offense should look improved against the Hoosiers' defense. UCLA has played significantly better overall at home in the past few years than in actual road games. Based on the Bruins' vital offensive players' play last season, they should play much better in this game as Ethan Garbers, J.Michael Sturdivant, and
T.J. Harden look to produce more on offense against Indiana.

Prediction

Indiana is a slight favorite in this game, but UCLA looks to get their first win in Big Ten play and begin the season 2-0. This game will be challenging for the Bruins, but look for the UCLA defense to create some turnovers and for Garbers to have a good, solid game to lead the Bruins to victory. The final score prediction for this game will be UCLA 21 Indiana 20.