October 21, 2025

UCLA Faces Tough Matchup Against No. 2 Indiana

News Summary

UCLA is set to challenge Indiana in Bloomington, where both teams bring momentum from recent conference victories. After starting their season 0-4, the Bruins have turned things around, winning three straight games under interim head coach Tim Skipper. Despite their recent success, they face a challenging opponent in the undefeated Hoosiers, who boast a strong offense led by their quarterback. UCLA’s strategy will focus on securing ball possession to control the game pace and leverage their improved defense against Indiana’s potent attack.

Bloomington

UCLA will take on the No. 2-ranked Indiana on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at noon ET at Merchants Bank Field in Bloomington, Indiana, as both teams are riding high off significant conference wins. The Bruins enter this game with a newfound momentum, boasting a three-game win streak after a challenging start to their season, opening at 0-4.

Interim head coach Tim Skipper has guided UCLA to victories against Penn State, Michigan State, and Maryland during this successful stretch. The Bruins’ defense has notably improved, holding their last four opponents to 17 points or fewer, which they will need to maintain against Indiana’s strong offense.

The Hoosiers, meanwhile, are currently undefeated with a perfect 7-0 record, making them the solid favorites in this matchup. According to Draft Kings Sportsbook, Indiana is a 24.5-point favorite heading into the game. They rank No. 2 in both the Associated Press and U.S. Today/US LBM Coaches Poll, showing their strength throughout the season. Indiana’s offense is led by quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who has thrown for 21 touchdowns this season, tying for first in both the Big Ten and FBS.

A pivotal element of UCLA’s strategy in this upcoming game will be securing ball possession. Earlier in the season, the Bruins struggled significantly with turnovers, and this game against Indiana requires a focus on maintaining ball security. Quarterback Nico Iamaleava has been a crucial part of UCLA’s resurgence, tossing for 1,355 yards, with 10 touchdowns and five interceptions so far this season. However, Iamaleava had a poor performance against Maryland, resulting in three turnovers, including two interceptions and a fumble. The Bruins must capitalize on fourth-and-short situations and keep Indiana’s Mendoza off the field to control the game’s pace.

If UCLA can effectively establish their run game, they may be able to replicate the successes they had against Penn State. As the season has progressed, the Bruins’ backfield has seen impressive breakout performances from running backs Jalen Berger and Anthony Frias II, which are vital for the ground game strategy. The key to winning this game will hinge on UCLA winning the time of possession battle while minimizing risks and taking calculated chances against the Hoosiers.

In addition to their current winning streak, Indiana has not lost a home game in their last 13 outings, marking the longest home winning streak in the program’s history. Their offensive unit has averaged 33 points per game, largely attributed to recent coaching adjustments that shifted their performance into high gear.

The match is anticipated to garner national attention and will be broadcast on FOX’s Big Noon Saturday and Big Noon Kickoff pregame show. This game serves not only as a test for the Bruins as they seek to solidify their midseason turnaround but also as a potential defining moment for interim head coach Tim Skipper, who is aiming to secure a lasting position with the team.

The last encounter between UCLA and Indiana was a year ago, where the Hoosiers handed the Bruins a decisive 42-13 defeat in the Rose Bowl. With both teams now facing off in Bloomington, the stakes are high as UCLA looks to continue their resurgence against one of the strongest teams in the nation.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE HOLLYWOOD

The Hollywood Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHollywood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hollywood, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Hollywood Bowl summer concerts, the Hollywood Christmas Parade, film premieres at TCL Chinese Theatre, and festivals at the Magic Castle. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Visit Hollywood, plus leading businesses in entertainment, dining, and tourism that define the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HEREAnaheim.com, and HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.

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