UCLA skids into Happy Valley on a two-game losing streak, without much hope for a turnaround with their starting quarterback injured and questionable to play.
The No. 7 ranked Nittany Lions, on the other hand, are coming off a big ranked-win over Illinois.
3 key matchups for Penn State Football to remain unbeaten vs. UCLA:
Penn State offensive line vs. UCLA front 7
While UCLA has struggled to start the 2024 season, one bright spot for the Bruins has been their run defense.
UCLA ranks in the top half of the Big Ten in rushing yards against per game, far better than their 17th ranked (out of 18) passing defense in the Big Ten. Penn State may be able to pass all over the Bruins Saturday, but Penn State’s offensive line will be key for Penn State to be able to stay balanced and continue the Nittany Lions lethal rushing attack.
Penn State vs UCLA Special Teams
While UCLA’s defense has been one of the worst in the Big Ten this season, a bright spot for UCLA has been their strong kicking game. UCLA ranks first in the Big Ten with an 80 percent field goal percentage. UCLA has two field goals over 40 yards, including a 54-yard field goal, this season. As such, UCLA’s field goal range could be longer than other teams and UCLA could steal a few points if it can get into Penn State territory Saturday.
Penn State defensive line vs UCLA offensive line
UCLA comes into Happy Valley with the worst statistical offense in the Big Ten so far this season, averaging just 262 yards per game. UCLA’s rushing attack also ranks last in the Big Ten, averaging only 57 yards per game. If Penn State can smother the Bruins running game and get ahead on the scoreboard, Penn State’s defense can get into a position to tee off against UCLA’s offensive line in pass rush and utilize the blitzing that was so successful against Illinois in the fourth quarter last Saturday.
If the Nittany Lions can play to their standard and not have a sleepy start for a noon matchup after an emotional “White Out Energy” game last Saturday, it could be a long day for the Bruins. Penn State will want to get up early and get their starters plenty of rest before the season-defining stretch coming up starting with a road trip to USC next week.
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Penn State Football Reporter at NittanyCentral
Robert Shields covers Penn State Football for Nittany Central. As a Penn State graduate, Robert has covered Penn State football since 2019, but had been a fan of the Nittany Lions for well over a decade. During his undergraduate education, Robert was a manager in the athletic department of a division III school, working in various aspects of athletic management at football, soccer, baseball, basketball, and lacrosse games.
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3 Key Matchups Penn State Football Must Win vs. UCLA