UCLA comes into Week 3 unbeaten and about to open conference play against Purdue, and the Bruins have a few things that could swing this one in a hurry. If they’re going to move to 3-0, the start matters just as much as the finish.
One of the biggest questions is whether UCLA can get going earlier than it has in its first two wins. Through two games, the Bruins have done most of their damage after halftime, with the fourth quarter doing a lot of the heavy lifting.
That’s worked so far, but it’s not exactly a recipe you want to keep leaning on if you can avoid it. With two weeks of film on Purdue, there’s a chance UCLA comes out sharper and shows more in the first half.
A faster start would also tie directly into the run game. When UCLA gets the ground attack rolling, it can look electric, and establishing that early would go a long way toward controlling the tone of the game.
Then there’s Nico Iamaleava, who has not quite looked as polished as many expected entering the season. The issue that stands out most is what’s happened in the red zone.
He has thrown a red-zone interception in each of the first two games, and both times it cost UCLA points and stalled momentum. The most recent one was the worse of the two, and against Cal it turned into a major swing in the game.
When the Bruins get near the end zone against Purdue, Iamaleava’s ability to finish drives will be under the microscope.
UCLA’s receiver room is also dealing with plenty of turnover because of injuries. Mikey Matthews has now been ruled out against Purdue, which leaves another opening for someone to step in.
Semaj Morgan answered the call last week after Matthews left early, while Landon Ellis was also sidelined. Ellis will be available for this one, so there’s at least a little more stability there - but the Bruins still need one of those receivers to emerge and make a real impact against the Boilermakers.
In Other News...
UCLA Sends A Clear Warning As Purdue Week Exposes One Concern
UCLAs weekly press conference circuit offered a pretty good snapshot of where the Bruins stand heading into Purdue week: encouraged by what they saw from quarterback Nico Iamaleava against San Diego State, but still sorting through some sloppier moments in practice that the staff would rather not repeat. Chip Kellys assessment of Iamaleava helped reinforce the belief that the offense has a higher ceiling, while Dean Kennedys admission that earlier sessions were not up to standard served as a useful reminder that progress around this team is still being judged day by day.
On the other side of the ball, Colin Hitschler spent part of the week laying out the challenge of Purdue quarterback Ryan Browne, a matchup that should test UCLAs discipline and communication. The late kickoff also adds another layer, because game-day routines will need to hold up when the usual rhythm is pushed back. For a Bruins team trying to build momentum, the concern is not whether the talent is there, but whether the details stay sharp enough when the margin for error shrinks. [Read more 🡒]
UCLA's First Real Test Could Hinge On These Emerging Bruins
UCLAs trip to Purdue arrives with enough early-season optimism to make the matchup feel like a checkpoint as much as a measuring stick. The Bruins have already shown enough to believe they can open 3-0, but this is the kind of game where the new faces and emerging contributors have to hold up under real pressure. Morgan has quickly become a top receiving option, while linebackers Woods and Omosigho have given the defense a steadier middle, and Landon Ellis is expected back after dealing with a head injury, adding another layer to the passing game.
Purdue brings its own challenge with running back Fame Ijeboi, whose production could put UCLAs run defense in a stressful spot. That is where the Bruins first real test may be decided, with the front seven needing to match Purdues physicality and the offense needing enough balance to keep pace. For UCLA, the question is not just whether the early momentum is real, but whether these rising players can help carry it through a game that should reveal a lot more about this team. [Read more 🡒]
Eric Dailey Jr. Gave UCLA Fans An Encouraging Summer Sign
Eric Dailey Jr. spent part of the summer giving UCLA fans a reminder of why his arrival matters, even in a setting far from Westwood. In Wuhan, China, the Bruins forward was a force for Team USA at the FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup, where he finished as the teams leading scorer and rebounder while playing under coach Tavaras Hardy.
Team USA went 2-2 in pool play and had to navigate the tournament with only three healthy players after Alex Fudges injury, a tough setup in a format where every possession is magnified. Dailey still managed 28 points and 21 rebounds across five games, a productive showing that offered UCLA a useful glimpse of his versatility and toughness, even if the final result in the quarterfinals left a little more to be desired. [Read more 🡒]