UCLA travels to Evanston to take on the Wildcats in the Bruins first conference game of the season.
Matchup between these two B1G teams: Northwestern Wildcats (1-2) vs. UCLA Bruins (0-3)
Date and Time: Saturday, September 27, with a start time of 3:30 PM EDT
Location of the Game: Evanston, Illinois's Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium
These two teams, trying to establish themselves in the Big Ten this season, both need this win for many reasons. The 2025 season has started out poorly for both UCLA and Northwestern, but this conference matchup offers a vital chance to pick up steam as both teams need a win desperately. After DeShaun Foster, after three games this season, UCLA is still without a victory, and interim head coach Tim Skipper is attempting to win his first game as the head coach of the Bruins. Northwestern has struggled overall, except for one victory over an FCS opponent, Western Illinois.
The offensive struggles at UCLA have been prevalent, with the offense only averaging just 14.3 points per game this season through three games. The Bruins' offense has been a big source of worry, and it needs to get going in UCLA's fourth game of the season. In addition to throwing three touchdowns and 608 yards, quarterback Nico Iamaleava has also thrown three interceptions, and if the Bruins have any hope of getting the offense going this season, they need Iamaleava to lead the charge. Additionally, an inconsistent ground game, which is led by running back Anthony Woods, is not helping the pass game and the offense. The lack of touches by Jaivian Thomas has been puzzling this season, and the Bruins' offense has struggled to find the end zone this season.
Northwestern's defense of playmaking and red zone effectiveness must be strong to help Northwestern win at home against UCLA. The Wildcats have struggled offensively, especially with slow starts and eight turnovers through three games. They have, however, converted on all of their chances in the red zone this season, demonstrating exceptional efficiency, which may come as a shock due to their record and overall offensive output this season. Their defense, led by linebacker Mac Uihlein, who has two interceptions and is in the top 20 nationally, needs to step up and make plays to not give the Bruins offense any momentum.
Game Forecast and Prediction
This game pits struggling teams against one another with comparable problems. Both defenses have displayed weaknesses, and both offenses have been erratic. Northwestern has the advantage, though, due to its home-field advantage and a marginally more effective offense, especially in the red zone. It's difficult to ignore UCLA's continuous problems on both sides of the ball, even though the team's new coaching situation might lead to a spark with Skipper being at the helm in his first game as the Bruins' interim coach. Northwestern is probably going to take advantage of UCLA's defensive errors, particularly in the closing minutes of the game, and win a crucial, close game.