Some uncomfortable conversations will begin if UCLA upsets Indiana

UCLA is no longer the big underdog with no expectations in playing football. They are gaining national attention for their three-game winning streak, and the culture has completely shifted. Tim Skipper, Jerry Neuheisel and Kevin Coyle have transformed a team that was more likely to go 0-11 than they were being on this streak three weeks ago. Can the miracle run continue or will Indiana send the Bruins back to reality?

Granted, Indiana is a 25-point favorite and is expected to dominate this game. But that spread is very large considering this isn’t the same UCLA team that couldn’t get up for New Mexico or Northwestern. UCLA will need to play fundamentally sound football on both sides of the ball. Think defense versus Maryland and offense versus Michigan State put together.

Now what if UCLA pulls off the shocker and goes into Indiana and wins on Big Noon Kickoff? There are going to be a lot of interesting and rather uncomfortable conversations that will start taking place. Skipper and his staff become the front runners to take the permanent job, Bruins not only enter bowl mix but Big Ten title mix.

The Bruins started this season 0-4 and didn’t have a clue who they were as a team. They changed coaches and put in a new identity. Using players strengths to best utilize who they wanted to become. It has worked as the staff has untapped potential of guys that were being capped playing roles that were not suited for them.

There is no easy task ahead, but every hurdle has been hit so far. This would be the cherry on top. Beat the number two ranked team in the country that is playing at an elite level on both sides of the ball. If the feat can be pulled off the media presence around UCLA will start making for awkward interviews. Because the questions will start to heat up, putting pressure on UCLA’s decision.