Game Day Primer / Sat, Oct 31
AWAY TEAM
3–4
HOME TEAM
7–0
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01 / Why this game matters
No. 7 UCLA is unbeaten, but Nevada brings a pass defense allowing only 153.9 yards per game. With a recent change at quarterback, the Bruins have good reason to lean on the running game that has helped carry them to 7-0.
02 / Know these people
Dominic Kelley / The runner trying to keep Nevada on schedule
Nevada · Running Back (RB)
He has 582 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Gains on early downs could keep Nevada from having to throw repeatedly into a defense expecting the pass.
Wayne Knight / The runner with a dozen touchdowns
UCLA · Running Back (RB)
His 627 rushing yards include 12 scores. UCLA can make the new quarterback’s afternoon easier if Knight keeps reaching the second group of defenders.
03 / Watch for this
Follow UCLA running back into the line. A clean path through the first gap lets the Bruins support their new quarterback with useful rushing gains. Early contact would ask much more of the passing game.
04 / Sound smart
The television analyst quarterbacked UCLA in the last meeting. That is one way to bring experience to the booth.
The central storyline
No. 7 UCLA is unbeaten, but Nevada brings a pass defense allowing only 153.9 yards per game. With a recent change at quarterback, the Bruins have good reason to lean on the running game that has helped carry them to 7-0.
A read on both sides
Nevada
Team vibe
Unranked Nevada is 3-4 after beating San Jose State 28-13. The Wolf Pack averages 26.3 points and allows 22, with a defense giving up far fewer passing yards than rushing yards. Running back has 582 rushing yards, but UCLA’s run defense presents a much tougher route to sustained possessions.
UCLA
Team vibe
No. 7 UCLA is 7-0 overall and 5-0 in the Big Ten after beating Michigan State 28-10. This is a nonconference game. The Bruins average 233 rushing yards and 34.4 points, while allowing only 15.3 points and 90.4 rushing yards; the ground game and defense have supplied a sturdy foundation.
Current storylines
Teach Me What to Notice
On screen
Look for: Follow UCLA running back as he approaches the line.
If you see it: He gets through the first gap without having to change direction.
Here's what it means: UCLA’s blockers have given him a clean start. That can let the Bruins lean on the ground game while their quarterback settles in.
On screen
Look for: Check Nevada’s distance to gain after its first-down runs.
If you see it: The Wolf Pack repeatedly gains little or loses yardage.
Here's what it means: UCLA can anticipate the pass. Nevada needs some early success to keep its quarterback from facing that situation on every series.
The central storyline
No. 7 UCLA is unbeaten, but Nevada brings a pass defense allowing only 153.9 yards per game. With a recent change at quarterback, the Bruins have good reason to lean on the running game that has helped carry them to 7-0.
A read on both sides
Nevada
Team vibe
Unranked Nevada is 3-4 after beating San Jose State 28-13. The Wolf Pack averages 26.3 points and allows 22, with a defense giving up far fewer passing yards than rushing yards. Running back has 582 rushing yards, but UCLA’s run defense presents a much tougher route to sustained possessions.
UCLA
Team vibe
No. 7 UCLA is 7-0 overall and 5-0 in the Big Ten after beating Michigan State 28-10. This is a nonconference game. The Bruins average 233 rushing yards and 34.4 points, while allowing only 15.3 points and 90.4 rushing yards; the ground game and defense have supplied a sturdy foundation.
Current storylines
Teach Me What to Notice
On screen
Look for: Follow UCLA running back as he approaches the line.
If you see it: He gets through the first gap without having to change direction.
Here's what it means: UCLA’s blockers have given him a clean start. That can let the Bruins lean on the ground game while their quarterback settles in.
On screen
Look for: Check Nevada’s distance to gain after its first-down runs.
If you see it: The Wolf Pack repeatedly gains little or loses yardage.
Here's what it means: UCLA can anticipate the pass. Nevada needs some early success to keep its quarterback from facing that situation on every series.
Players & Coaches
Players & Coaches
Nevada · Running Back (RB)
He has 582 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Gains on early downs could keep Nevada from having to throw repeatedly into a defense expecting the pass.
Players & Coaches
UCLA · Running Back (RB)
His 627 rushing yards include 12 scores. UCLA can make the new quarterback’s afternoon easier if Knight keeps reaching the second group of defenders.
Players & Coaches
Nevada · Linebacker (LB)
He has 76 tackles. Where those tackles happen matters: stopping a runner at the line is very different from catching him after a first down.
Players & Coaches
UCLA · Wide Receiver (WR)
His 31 catches have produced 383 yards and two touchdowns. A reliable short completion can help UCLA avoid putting the whole possession on a difficult throw.
The Stakes
UCLA is protecting a perfect season in a game that does not affect its Big Ten record. Nevada can turn a road trip to a famous venue into a major result against a top-ten opponent.
Why it matters
The Bruins do not need to prove they can throw at Nevada’s strongest unit on every possession. If UCLA runs cleanly and finishes tackles, it can make the quarterback transition a smaller part of the game.
History & Context
History & Context
UCLA won the previous meeting 58-20 in 2013. Its quarterback that day was Brett Hundley, who is scheduled to be the television analyst for this game. He has a rather direct reference point for the matchup.
Conversation Starters
Conversation Starters
The television analyst quarterbacked UCLA in the last meeting. That is one way to bring experience to the booth.
Conversation Starters
Nevada’s pass defense deserves attention. UCLA’s running game would be happy to take that attention elsewhere.
Conversation Starters
has 12 rushing touchdowns. Near the goal line, I know where I’m looking.