Will Ethan Garbers play today against Penn State, and if he does, will it matter? (Photo Credit: Ross Turteltaub/uclabruins.com)
Today’s game is going to be another tough one for the Bruins.
Last week, I gave the Bruins three chances: slim, none, and #B1GAfterDark.
This morning, when UCLA plays their first B1G Noon Saturday game. That means that they’ve lost one of the three chances they had to win last week’s game.
I just don’t see the Bruins having much of a chance to upset the #7 team in the nation. Let’s get right into the keys to today’s game.
Keys to the Game
1. Get the defense off the field
If UCLA wants to win today, the Bruins are going to have to find a way to get the defense off the field. Last week, UCLA punted the ball away with seven minutes to go and never got the ball back. Given Penn State’s tendency to run the ball most of the time, if the Bruins can’t get the defense off the field, there’s zero chance of winning this game.
2. Locate the Offense
After playing a good first half against LSU, the Bruin offense has gone missing in action. UCLA cannot win scoring just one touchdown per game and kicking field goals for the rest of the Bruins’ points.
3. From Last to First
Last week, UCLA played the final game of the week. This week, the Bruins are up first. Will it matter?
I’m tempted to say that things can’t get any worse than they have been already, but I’m not convinced that things won’t be worse today.
Last week, we learned that #Pac12AfterDark may not have made the jump to the Big Ten with a third of the old conference. How will the Bruins fare playing the first game of the day instead of the last one? Perhaps the time change will do the Bruins some good since they usually practice early in the day.
Listen to the Game With TMB!
Today’s game is on FOX with Gus Johnson and Joel Klatt calling the game. While I’m not sure why you would rather listen Josh Lewin and Matt Stevens call today’s game, you can listen to the game online while chatting in the TMB game thread. Just right click on the link and open it in another tab so you can have it playing while you chat in the comments below. That way, you can listen to Josh Lewin, Matt Stevens and Wayne Cook call today’s game.
Join your fellow Bruins discussing today’s game in the comments section below, but before you get there, here’s how to watch tonight’s game:
UCLA Football (1-3, 0-2)
Opponent: Penn State Nittany Lions (4-0, 1-0)
Series Record: UCLA leads 4-2,first meeting as Big Ten members.
When: 9:00 am PT, Saturday, October 5, 2024
Where: Beaver Stadium, University Park, PA
Live TV: FOX with Gus Johnson, Joel Klatt and Jenny Taft
Live Stream: FoxSports.com and the Fox Sports app
Radio/Audio: AM 570 in Los Angeles with Josh Lewin, Matt Stevens and Wayne Cook Satellite Radio: SiriusXM Ch. 385 (UCLA Call)
Rebroadcast (All times PT): Sunday, 10/6 at 3:30 am on FS1 Sunday, 10/6 at 1:00 pm on BTN (B1G Football in 60) Monday, 10/7 at 4:00 am on FS1
Monday, 10/7 at 4:00 am on BTN (B1G Football in 60)
Monday, 10/7 at 11:00 am on FS2
Monday, 10/7 at 8:30 pm on FS1
Tuesday, 10/8 at 3:00 am on FS1
Tuesday, 10/8 at 6:00 pm on FS2
Wednesday, 10/9 at 3:30 pm on BTN (B1G Football in 60)
Go Bruins!
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This whole pregame has been a paean to Penn State. Not like I'd expect Fox to acknowledge the California school in the first place, but I guess that's about where we rate anymore.
Martin’s short passes look crisp so far. He was quick with the check down to Keegan Jones too
Maybe Foster heard the criticisms about how he was too conservative if he’s going for that 4th and 3. Terrible to have to use a TO on the first drive of the game though
Martin displaying a strong arm. I was down on the field last week and he is a big kid. He appeared taller than 6'4 to me and since I am 6'4, it's pretty easy to judge.
So many things...Martin got a hand to his face mask, and the receiver's knee was clearly down before the ball came out - not sure if it's a catch in the first place. Naturally all 3 calls on the field favor Penn St.
Hi G! Yes, I now live in a town of less than 1,000 so taking one's time is honored here 💙💛 At this point, just hoping EB can actually transform into an above average coach.
Yup. We are 118 out of 134 in passing yards allowed in the country. Some of that is the anemic pass rush, but we haven't covered a receiver in years either.
Hi all. Just did quick watch to this point. At least we are in it. Blame Jarmond for not firing CCK in time to hire good coaches. These guys are doing the best they can.
That would have been a great opportunity to get our young QB some experience in the 1 minute drill. So what if something bad happens? Do they think that's gonna cost us this game? Geez, get our guys ready to execute these things for some day when it matters.
at least the Bruins just look like a mediocre/bad team today with some flashes of competence instead of looking horrendously lost. there does seem to be improvement week over week.
Just looked at stats. Pretty even except they scored TD and we did FG. Good news is no turnovers. Rare with young QB. Harden 4.7 YPC. That is reasonable. Maybe we can get that TD on opening drive. As far as coaching. I know Foster’s agent. Lives near me in Franklin TN. I just happened to meet him in SBucks and I had UCLA polo on. Agent is UCLA grad. He can’t say enough good things about Foster. Foster absolutely loves UCLA. It is not his fault he wasn’t ready for head job. I know he is working his butt off to find a way to improve. We were very lucky to get him at last minute after the way Kelley treated him. The players will go to war for him.
Rumors are that Foster was somewhat reticent about taking the job himself. I don't blame him for being in this position - that's on Jarmond. I'm hopeful he will develop into a good head coach (wishing we weren't a developmental program right now), and I have no doubt he loves U.C.L.A. and his players love him. I think we're all rooting for him.
It's all in the recruiting and development of the trenches I would expect some activity in the portal, plus we need high school line recruits to develop. The team is improving to my eye. The proof needs to include a win against Minnesota.
good luck!
I'm not sure any amount of luck can help us at this point.
I see major improvement. Bruins are in this game!
U!!!
C!!!
L clap clap clap!
A!!!
Good afternoon,Joe, go Bruins!
No Garbers today
Garbers should have been taken out last week before getting dinged up more. With our OL, we may get to see 4 or 5 QBs this year
Good afternoon,army, go Bruins!
We should be eliminated from bowl contention by mid October.
This whole pregame has been a paean to Penn State. Not like I'd expect Fox to acknowledge the California school in the first place, but I guess that's about where we rate anymore.
I do love Gus Johnson so.
Good afternoon,Greg.
I must say this is better than midnight, but it's Saturday and I got things to do. Happy Saturday Bruin friends!
Good morning, kingjim!
Solid opening series on D. Nice.
PSU went 3 and out!
Good play call on 3rd. Quick easy throw. Nice arm.
Geez. Not the greatest clock management there.
Martin’s short passes look crisp so far. He was quick with the check down to Keegan Jones too
Maybe Foster heard the criticisms about how he was too conservative if he’s going for that 4th and 3. Terrible to have to use a TO on the first drive of the game though
Bieniemy may have to simplify the playbook with Martin in there - which imo would be a good move for him regardless of the reason.
Good morning, chenalex :-)
Good morning! Hoping for a good showing from UCLA today.
Martin’s looking good on the first drive sofar
Happy Saturday,Chenalex!
Martin displaying a strong arm. I was down on the field last week and he is a big kid. He appeared taller than 6'4 to me and since I am 6'4, it's pretty easy to judge.
Nice conversion!
So many things...Martin got a hand to his face mask, and the receiver's knee was clearly down before the ball came out - not sure if it's a catch in the first place. Naturally all 3 calls on the field favor Penn St.
I think it's just incomplete and a missed call on the QB
Pretty good job on the review. They missed the blow to Martin's face but that's not reviewable.
Welp, that was fun, until it wasn't.
Don't snap the ball backward 5 yards and then try to run for 6.
Good opening series Not sure I liked the last play call, but I like that we went for it on 4th down
Agreed. Good decision. Terrible play call.
Woohoo! Sack!!
First sack since the Hawaii game
D is motivated today.
Yes! Sack! I didn't know that was even an option anymore!
Two wasted time outs because they aren't getting in and out of the huddle fast enough.
jfc you take a time out and then have a false start??
Loving Martin's vision. He needs quieter feet and not throwing while falling back, but he has a strong arm.
Say it again we need a running game.
That was a very respectable first quarter. Props.
Hi all, just having a late breakfast in new home. Will be joining you soon! 💙💛
Like our team calling plays, take your time, Tamara.
Hi G! Yes, I now live in a town of less than 1,000 so taking one's time is honored here 💙💛 At this point, just hoping EB can actually transform into an above average coach.
Good afternoon, Tamara, I hope you are settling in comfortably!
Yes! It is a dream to be in Spring City, Utah! 💙💛
I'm happy for you!
Sigh. Is it me or does our secondary coach need to have been fired like 4 years ago
Yup. We are 118 out of 134 in passing yards allowed in the country. Some of that is the anemic pass rush, but we haven't covered a receiver in years either.
Where's the flag?
Martin displaying a bigger upside than Garbers Better arm talent
That would have made a good 4th and half yard play.
PSU draws first blood, TD.
Nice call getting Martin on the outside to run. Gotta mix that in to keep the pass rush honest.
Big play!!!
Martin should start every game the rest of the season.
I'm there too.
Went away from the quick passes and the OL couldn't give Martin enough time.
Same route as before just from the other direction. smdh
Argh horrible angle and missed tackle.
Freaking really disappointing defensive series there. Bad coverage, dumb decisions, out schemed by their coaches. Damn
coaches, do we have any?
They're just ok. Trouble is the coaches across the field are all good or great. It's another mismatch for us every week.
Hi all. Just did quick watch to this point. At least we are in it. Blame Jarmond for not firing CCK in time to hire good coaches. These guys are doing the best they can.
Good afternoon, Terry!
The lack of OL talent is on full display.
Oh well, for as poorly as we've played in the previous games, we're still in it.
Moral victory? Yeah, ok at this point, I'll take any victory.
That’s the coaches’ mindset too apparently
That would have been a great opportunity to get our young QB some experience in the 1 minute drill. So what if something bad happens? Do they think that's gonna cost us this game? Geez, get our guys ready to execute these things for some day when it matters.
at least the Bruins just look like a mediocre/bad team today with some flashes of competence instead of looking horrendously lost. there does seem to be improvement week over week.
Martin so far looks like a big step up from Garbers.
Well, 11 down isn't a blowout... yet 😞
Good afternoon. Just did a quick watch of half. Glad I can join you albeit late. Thanks for the comments.
Hey, Terry :-)
Hi dear friend! 💙💛 Great to see you!
Just looked at stats. Pretty even except they scored TD and we did FG. Good news is no turnovers. Rare with young QB. Harden 4.7 YPC. That is reasonable. Maybe we can get that TD on opening drive. As far as coaching. I know Foster’s agent. Lives near me in Franklin TN. I just happened to meet him in SBucks and I had UCLA polo on. Agent is UCLA grad. He can’t say enough good things about Foster. Foster absolutely loves UCLA. It is not his fault he wasn’t ready for head job. I know he is working his butt off to find a way to improve. We were very lucky to get him at last minute after the way Kelley treated him. The players will go to war for him.
Rumors are that Foster was somewhat reticent about taking the job himself. I don't blame him for being in this position - that's on Jarmond. I'm hopeful he will develop into a good head coach (wishing we weren't a developmental program right now), and I have no doubt he loves U.C.L.A. and his players love him. I think we're all rooting for him.
Yep!!
It's all in the recruiting and development of the trenches I would expect some activity in the portal, plus we need high school line recruits to develop. The team is improving to my eye. The proof needs to include a win against Minnesota.
How the hell does Urban have a giant paying TV spot like this? Pretty telling of things these days.
By the way. Nice article yesterday in LA Times on BB program and the transfer from SC Johnson. Looks like we have a lot to look forward to.
Ugh,TJ into a brick wall.
Penn State woke up.
MF EB. Three slow developing plays with an overmatched OL. WTF do you think is gonna happen???
QB didn’t have a chance. At least he had poise to recover ball.
For sure. 3rd and long and yo want Martin to drop back and wait for receivers to get downfield. He'll never have time for that.
EB is a disaster. I do not like his coaching personality and he is a totally inept playcaller. How did Fos make such a big mistake?