This season is the 108th season of UCLA football. In the Bruins’ first 107 seasons, the best start UCLA has ever had was winning the first ten games of the season. In 1946 and 1998, the Bruins began the year by winning the first ten games before losing the eleventh game of the year. Tonight, this year’s team looks to become just the third UCLA team to accomplish that.
One other time, UCLA won ten games in a row and that was 1997. So, a win tonight will also tie that team for the longest single-season winning streak.
Of course, in order to accomplish that, the Bruins need to win tonight’s game. So, let’s look at the Keys to the Game.
Keys to the Game
1. Start Fast!
UCLA’s fast starts against Minnesota and Nevada have paid off with wins. Look for the Bruins to come out sharp again this week.
2. Force Illinois to Throw
The Illini prefer to run the ball. If UCLA can open up a multiple touchdown lead, it will force them to have to throw to catch up. Then, UCLA’s defense can completely shut down their offense.
3. Pound the Ball
Illinois will be playing a 3-3-5 nickel defense. UCLA has exploited nickel defenses all seasonn by running the ball for a lot of yards. I expect the Bruins to do the same tonight, especially since the weather may make it difficult to throw it. Look for more than 250 rushing yards for UCLA today.
Watch and Listen to the Game With TMB!
Tonight’s game is on Fox and will stream on Fox.com and the Fox One app with Tim Brando, Devin Gardner and Josh Sims calling the game. While Tim Brando is one of the best anouncers in the game, if you would rather listen Josh Lewin, Matt Stevens and Wayne Cook call today’s game, you can listen to the game online while chatting in the TMB game thread. Just right-click on either of those links and open them in another tab so you can have it playing while you chat in the comments below.
This is your Illinois Fighting Illini at #4 UCLA Bruins game thread. Join your fellow Bruins discussing today’s game in the comments section below, but before you get there, here’s how to watch today’s game:
#4 UCLA Football (9-0, 6-0)
Opponent: Illinois Fighting Illini (6-3, 4-2)
Series Record: Tied, 6-6
When: 6:00 pm PT, Friday, November 13, 2026
Where: Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California
Live TV: Fox with Tim Brando, Devin Gardner and Josh Sims
Live Stream: Fox.com and the Fox One app
Radio/Audio:
KABC-AM 790 in Los Angeles with Josh Lewin, Matt Stevens and Wayne Cook
Satellite Radio: SiriusXM Ch. 84 (UCLA Call)Online: UCLABruins.com
Live Stats: UCLA StatBroadcast
Rebroadcast (All times PT):
Friday, 11/13 at 11:00 pm on FS1Saturday, 11/14 at 6:00 am on BTN (B1G Football in 60)
Sunday, 11/15 at 4:30 am on FS1
Sunday, 11/15 at 6:00 am on BTN (B1G Football in 60)
Monday, 11/16 at 11:30 pm on FS1
Tuesday, 11/17 at 1:00 am on BTN (B1G Football in 60)
Tuesday, 11/17 at 2:00 pm on FS2Wednesday, 11/18 at 1:00 am on FS2
Wednesday, 11/11 at 11:00 pm on FS1
Go Bruins!!!
Thanks again for supporting The Mighty Bruin. Your paid subscriptions make this site possible. Questions, comments, story ideas, angry missives and more can be sent to @TheMightyBruin on Twitter.
Let’s go Bruins!