UCLA Opens Big Ten Play at 2-0
UCLA Opens Big Ten Play at 2-0
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Key Points
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This is Bob Chesney’s first season at UCLA after he led James Madison to a 12-2 record, a Sun Belt title and a College Football Playoff appearance in 2025. He has posted 15 winning seasons across four levels of college football.
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The game marks the first Rose Bowl appearance for many UCLA players and coaches, including Chesney, who praised the turnout from fans and the surrounding community after the San Diego State victory.
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UCLA’s remaining nonconference schedule includes only Nevada, and the team’s Big Ten slate features major opponents Oregon, Michigan and USC. Sports Illustrated noted that the Bruins could build a postseason case by beating two of those three teams, though it remains too early for playoff speculation.
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Hitschler has a personal connection to Purdue running back Fame Ijeboi: Ijeboi attended the same high school as the UCLA defensive coordinator before beginning his college career at Minnesota.
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Chesney said UCLA’s self-scouting extends beyond formations and play calls to subtle signs such as offensive tackles’ pass-setting habits, receivers tightening their gloves or wetting their hands, linebacker identifications, checks at the line and pre-snap signals.
UCLA enters Big Ten play undefeated at 2-0 after dominant victories over California (45-24) and San Diego State (28-10). First-year coach Bob Chesney's Bruins face their toughest test yet against Purdue in the Rose Bowl, where the Boilermakers arrive winless after a devastating 38-36 double-overtime loss to Wake Forest myrtlebeachonline.
The matchup will reveal whether UCLA's fast-improving offense and defense can handle Big Ten competition. Purdue brings a physical team led by quarterback Ryan Browne, running back Fame Ijeboi, and a deep receiving group that Chesney says presents a major challenge sunherald.
UCLA's Strong Start Under Chesney
Bob Chesney arrived at UCLA after leading James Madison to a 12-2 record, a Sun Belt title, and a College Football Playoff appearance in 2025. He has 15 winning seasons across four levels of college football. The Rose Bowl victory over San Diego State marked the first time Chesney and many UCLA players experienced the historic stadium, which energized the team bellinghamherald.
UCLA is fixing small details that could hurt them. Defensive coordinator Colin Hitschler is using film study to catch tells: offensive tackles' pass-blocking habits, receivers tightening gloves, linebacker positioning at the snap, and pre-snap signals. These tiny habits can tip opponents off about play calls macon.
Stopping Purdue's Physical Run Game
Fame Ijeboi is Purdue's engine. The running back finds the edge, punishes defenders, and averages hard yards between the tackles. UCLA's defense must stay disciplined and gap-sound to contain him. Hitschler has a personal tie to Ijeboi—the two attended the same high school before Ijeboi began his college career at Minnesota tri-cityherald.
Chesney has preached physicality and precision to match Purdue's aggressive style. UCLA's linebackers must read run blocks fast. The defensive line cannot get knocked backward. One breakdown in gap integrity could spring Ijeboi for a big gain myrtlebeachonline.
UCLA's Path Through a Brutal Big Ten Schedule
After Purdue, UCLA faces only one nonconference opponent: Nevada. Then comes the gauntlet—Oregon, Michigan, and USC all loom on the schedule. According to Sports Illustrated, beating two of those three blue-bloods could build a strong postseason case sunherald.
Chesney is not thinking about bowls yet. He wants his team to start fast, communicate better between quarterback Nico Iamaleava and offensive coordinator Tino Sunseri, and cut mental mistakes. UCLA was slow early in its first two games but won decisively in the second half and fourth quarter. Discipline and improvement matter more than playoff chatter right now bellinghamherald.
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