The Wisconsin Badgers are set to make a cross-country flight to California for one of their biggest games in recent memory.
No. 12 UCLA just lost its star quarterback to a season-ending injury, so if there was ever a time for the Badgers to get their second ranked road win of the year, it's now.
Recently, Badgers Wire's Jordon Lawrenz had a chance to speak with the lead writer of UCLA Wire, Dylan McNeill.
Coming off a huge win at Oregon that saw the Bruins skyrocket in both the AP and US LBM Coaches Polls, McNeill broke down the state of this UCLA team and what Badgers fans should expect on Saturday, Oct. 17.
The elephant in the room is Nico Iamaleava's season-ending injury. Just how much will that change things for this offense moving forward?
The offense has to change significantly, but that’s to be expected in nearly any situation when you lose your starting quarterback. Bob Chesney stated postgame that neither Madden Iamaleava nor Ty Dieffenbach has won the QB2 job, meaning that either (or potentially both) could be seeing action this weekend.
Chesney appears to have more trust in Dieffenbach’s arm, getting the nod in relief against Oregon, but if UCLA wants to stick closer to what they’ve been running, then perhaps the younger Iamaleava will see action. Regardless of who’s under center, the UCLA offense is extremely reliant on their rushing attack. Nico Iamaleava struggled with turnovers so far this season, so perhaps tightening the restraints with a backup QB won’t lead to significantly worse results than many have feared for the Bruins.
You guys just held Oregon to 15 points and knocked them out of the AP Top 25; what does that say about where this defense is after previously allowing 38 points against Purdue?
UCLA is a West Coast team in sunny Southern California, but at their core, this is a team that lives by their defense and rushing attack.
The Bruins’ pass rush hasn’t generated a ton of sacks, but this group has been incredibly opportunistic. UCLA has a turnover differential of +12 this season, the third-best mark in the nation behind New Mexico and Notre Dame.
When UCLA’s defense isn’t forcing turnovers, they’re a bit susceptible to struggles, as evidenced by the Purdue and Cal games. If Wisconsin can protect the football, then they should be able to find some success.
Wayne Knight hasn't rushed for fewer than 71 yards in a game this season. He was three yards shy of four straight 100-yard games. How do you think he'll look against this Badgers defense?
Wisconsin has allowed a respectable 114.6 rushing yards per game this season, but they’ll be tested this week. Not only does UCLA have a trio of superb running backs, but the offensive coordinator has done a great job of creating unique plays to give opposing defenses headaches.
UCLA’s averaging 253.2 rushing yards per game, the sixth-best mark in the nation, and while Wayne Knight deserves plenty of credit, the Bruins have a deep offensive line and multiple skilled backs. Knight is the home run hitter, but Anthony Woods and Jaivian Thomas can do damage as well.
Even with the Badgers having a fine defense, right now UCLA thinks that it can have success on the ground against anyone.
This is the first meeting between these teams since 2000. What should Wisconsin fans expect the environment to be like on Saturday night?
There's a slight reason for a lively Rose Bowl crowd on Saturday. This is UCLA’s first home game in years since becoming ranked, plus students are back on campus (UCLA’s Fall Quarter began on September 24th), so there’s plenty of reason for the home crowd to be raucous.
It’s no secret that UCLA has struggled to have a home field advantage in recent years, but Bob Chesney keeps proving this isn’t the same old UCLA, perhaps that continues with a lively crowd on Saturday for the nationally televised game.
Do you have a final score prediction?
Wisconsin will come into the Rose Bowl thinking they can get the road win. Facing a backup quarterback will aid their upset efforts, but I’m not yet convinced that Nico Iamaleava’s injury will doom UCLA’s chances of regular-season success.
Iamaleava’s turnovers have kept some of UCLA’s games close this season, and while he’s by far the Bruins’ most talented quarterback, perhaps there’s a chance that simplifying the passing attack and limiting risks could make up for the decrease in skill at quarterback.
Final Prediction: 26-24 UCLA
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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: UCLA Bruins football expert previews Week 7 showdown vs. Wisconsin