UCLA vs. Rutgers football game preview and prediction

UCLA and Rutgers are eager to win, as each team has lost their last two conference games.

October 19, 2024, this Saturday, UCLA travels across the country to face the Scarlet Knights.
The game will begin at noon in the Eastern Standard Time zone, but most UCLA fans on the West Coast will have to wake up early to watch it at nine AM Pacific Time.
For those unaware, Rutgers University plays its games in Piscataway, New Jersey. SHI Stadium is a prominent and historical stadium venue where the Scarlet Knights play their football games.

This matchup features two teams eager to regain momentum. The Scarlet Knights and the Bruins have not played well lately. Given both teams' scoring struggles, we might not see a high score total in this matchup, as Rutgers has scored a combined 14 points in their last two games, and UCLA has not scored above 17 points all season.

Concerns surround the offensive performances at UCLA this season and how the Bruins defense can help them get their first Big Ten conference victory.

The Bruins are struggling to gain offensive momentum throughout the season. They are currently ranked second from last in the FBS scoring offense rankings, at 132, only ahead of Houston.
Their quarterback performance has been inconsistent with the passing game, and they’ve struggled to establish a reliable ground game as the Bruins rushing offense is ranked 131 only ahead of Kent State and Florida State.
For UCLA to compete effectively in this matchup, they must focus on executing scoring in the red zone and making big-time plays while minimizing their errors and limiting turnovers.

With the only exception being their last game against Wisconsin, Rutgers's defensive line showcases impressive strengths in stopping opponents' passing games, as the Scarlet Knights' defense is ranked 19 in passing efficiency defense. Thanks to Rutgers' defense ability to limit opponents' passing game, the Scarlet Knights have remained competitive in games for extended periods.
Their secondary has shown significant improvement, and the defensive line has been a source of considerable disruption as the Scarlet Knights are ranked 30 in passing yards allowed.
Rutgers must maintain its strong defensive performance to prevent UCLA from scoring points and trying to win in a low-scoring game.

Examining the contrast between UCLA's offensive line and Rutgers' defensive line reveals intriguing dynamics. The clash in the trenches will be crucial. If Rutgers can disrupt UCLA's offensive line, the Bruins will struggle to find their rhythm on the field. UCLA has struggled to run the ball but Rutgers has also had difficulties stopping the run as they are ranked 110 in rushing defense this season.
Whomever they decide to start, between Ethan Garbers and Justyn Martin, UCLA's quarterback, must demonstrate savvy decision-making and avoid costly errors to overcome Rutgers' defense.

The matchup between UCLA's defense and Rutger's offense is intriguing. Rutgers has made strides in its running game but must establish a solid ground attack to challenge the Bruins' defense. UCLA is ranked 13 in the country in rushing defense, and the Scarlet Knights rushing offense is ranked 32 in rushing offense.
This matchup will likely turn into a defensive showdown. Conversely, Rutgers holds a marginal edge due to its 4-2 record compared to UCLA's 1-5 record and the advantage of competing on its home turf.

However, the Bruins have played a more difficult schedule and are improving their past two games, while Rutgers, after starting 4-0, has been struggling of late. UCLA secured a crucial victory in this pivotal matchup, winning by a score of 17-14.