UCLA (2-5, 1-4 Big Ten) is set to face Nebraska (5-3, 2-3) this Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET, with the game broadcast on the Big Ten Network. According to BetMGM, Nebraska is favored by a touchdown in this matchup. In their head-to-head history, Nebraska holds a slight edge with a series record of 7 wins to UCLA’s 6.
This game is crucial for Nebraska as they strive for bowl eligibility, marking a significant step forward for head coach Matt Rhule in his second year at the helm of a program that has not participated in a postseason since 2016. On the other side, UCLA, under the guidance of first-year coach DeShaun Foster, is looking to build momentum after their recent bye week and aims to secure a second consecutive Big Ten victory on the road.
A significant battle to watch during the game will be between UCLA’s offensive line and Nebraska’s front seven. The Bruins currently stand second in the Big Ten, having allowed 20 sacks, while being ranked as the seventh worst in the nation in terms of pass protection according to Pro Football Focus statistics. In contrast, the Cornhuskers are ranked 14th in pass rush efficiency, with a total of 23 sacks, positioning them second in the Big Ten behind Indiana who has recorded 24 sacks.
Both teams feature key players to keep an eye on. For UCLA, quarterback Ethan Garbers has demonstrated a tendency to perform better during away games. He boasts an impressive average of 312 passing yards, throwing seven touchdowns against three interceptions in road contests, compared to significantly lower numbers in home games. His standout performance included a 383-yard, four-touchdown effort during a thrilling 35-32 victory against Rutgers, where he achieved an 84% completion rate, marking one of the best accuracy rates by a UCLA quarterback since 1980.
Meanwhile, Nebraska’s placekicker John Hohl is regaining his form after a shaky start, missing four of his first five attempts following an injury to starter Tristan Alvano. Notably, three out of the last five games played have been decided by a seven-point margin. Hohl recently showcased his skills in a close 21-17 loss to Ohio State, successfully making kicks from 39, 54, and 47 yards.
Historically, UCLA’s previous trip to Lincoln in 2013 stands out. In that game, they overturned a 21-3 deficit to claim a 41-21 victory, occurring just days after the tragic death of UCLA receiver Nick Pasquale. Following that game, an audio recording surfaced of then-Nebraska head coach Bo Pelini expressing his frustrations with fans and media in a vulgar rant. Furthermore, UCLA achieved impressive season highs during their win at Rutgers, bringing in 35 points, five touchdowns, and a total of 478 yards. Additionally, linebacker Carson Schwesinger has been a defensive standout, recording double-digit tackles in five consecutive games, a feat not seen at UCLA since Eric Kendricks managed it in 2014.