Is UCLA the real deal, or just a flash in the pan? After their stunning upset of Penn State, the question hung heavy in the air. But after their dominant performance against Michigan State, the Bruins have answered with a resounding 'NO!' They are here to stay.
In a bold statement that silenced doubters and ignited excitement, UCLA stomped Michigan State 38-13, proving their previous win wasn't a fluke. The game, played in East Lansing, Michigan, was a showcase of the Bruins' newfound energy and strategic prowess. To hammer the point home, interim coach Tim Skipper presented each player with a simple, yet profound question as they boarded the plane: "ARE YOU A ONE-HIT WONDER?"
And this is the part most people miss: it wasn't just about winning; it was about proving something to themselves.
The Bruins' offense, orchestrated by playcaller Jerry Neuheisel, roared to life, racking up 38 unanswered points after conceding an early touchdown to the Spartans. Meanwhile, the UCLA defense, under the guidance of de facto defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle, was a brick wall. They forced a fumble, stonewalled Michigan State on every fourth-down attempt, and limited the Spartans to a paltry 253 yards of total offense. The defense even knocked Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles out of the game after a brutal hit by defensive tackle Keanu Williams.
But here's where it gets controversial... Some might argue that Michigan State was already struggling, making UCLA's victory less impressive. What do you think?
The architect of this stunning turnaround? Interim coach Tim Skipper. He's instilled a focus and vitality that was conspicuously absent under the previous leadership. Skipper's motivational tactics, like the message on the plane, have breathed new life into a team that started the season with four straight losses. "It was just a little reminder, that’s all it really was,” Skipper explained, downplaying the impact of his motivational tactic. "It’s kind of like Santa Claus — you don’t know how the presents got there, but they got there.”
This victory raises an intriguing question: Could Skipper be a more compelling candidate for the UCLA head coaching job than Jonathan Smith of Michigan State, whose name has been linked to the position? Considering the team's dramatic improvement under his leadership, it's certainly a valid point to consider. The Bruins now stand at 2-4 overall and 2-1 in the Big Ten.
Even UCLA athletic director Martin Jarmond acknowledged the transformation, discussing the impact of the coaching changes that sparked the team's resurgence. Quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who threw for 180 yards and three touchdowns, emphasized the team's rediscovered joy in playing the game. "We were uptight the first four games, and I feel like we went out there and let our hair flow and we were playing for fun,” Iamaleava said, suggesting that the pressure had previously stifled their performance.
Once struggling to score, UCLA's offense is now a force to be reckoned with. Running back Jalen Berger had a breakout performance, scoring three touchdowns and rushing for a season-high 89 yards against his former team. Iamaleava's passing was nearly flawless, completing 16 of 24 passes without an interception. The numbers speak for themselves: UCLA scored more points in a game and a half with Neuheisel calling plays (66) than they did in their previous four games combined (57).
Their attacking, disciplined defense forced another turnover and stifled Michigan State after allowing the Spartans to score a touchdown on their opening drive. Special teams even got in on the action with a clever fake punt by Cole Martin, mirroring a play they successfully executed against Northwestern, catching Michigan State completely off guard.
The Bruins' dominance was so complete that Michigan State fans booed their team as they headed into the locker room at halftime. "Best part really is just the togetherness we have in the locker room,” Martin said. “We came together. We’ve never altered. We’ve always stayed together. Nobody’s quit on one another. And that was really the best part for me, just knowing that whatever we go through, we’re going to have each other at the end of the day.”
So, is UCLA a genuine contender, a team reborn under new leadership? Or is this just a temporary surge of energy? Let us know what you think in the comments below! Do you believe Skipper deserves serious consideration for the head coaching job? And can the Bruins sustain this level of performance throughout the season?
