Following their monumental upset of Penn State, the UCLA Bruins face a pivotal test to determine if the victory signaled a genuine turning point or was simply a one-off success. A challenging road game against an equally urgent opponent should provide answers about the trajectory of their season.
The stakes are high for both programs. Michigan State (3-2, 0-2 Big Ten) is in desperate need of a conference victory, while UCLA (1-4, 1-1) seeks to prove its recent performance was no fluke.
The matchup also carries significant weight for the coaches. Spartans coach Jonathan Smith, a Pasadena native whose name has been linked to UCLA’s coaching vacancy, is under pressure to improve his 8-9 record midway through his second season. Conversely, a second straight win could substantially elevate the standing of UCLA interim coach Tim Skipper and offensive coordinator Jerry Neuheisel.
Neuheisel’s debut as play-caller was a resounding success, particularly given he had only a few days to install his new scheme following the departure of Tino Sunseri. Skipper lauded Neuheisel’s approach, comparing its effectiveness to giving players the answers before a test.
With a full week of preparation, the potential of UCLA’s revamped offense is a key question. Here are five things to watch when the Bruins face the Spartans at Spartan Stadium at 9 a.m. PDT in a game televised by Big Ten Network.
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