Tim Skipper counts on his tenure as temporary coach at Fresno State to reverse the fortunes of UCLA
UCLA, currently winless and one of two winless power conference teams, is facing a challenging season under interim coach Tim Skipper. The Bruins' conference schedule includes games against top-ranked opponents such as No. 1 Ohio State, No. 2 Penn State, No. 19 Indiana, No. 25 Southern California, and Northwestern.
The team has been plagued by struggles on both offense and defense. UCLA ranks last nationally in penalties per game (10) and 134th out of 136 teams in penalty yardage (91.7). Offensively, the team has yet to score in the first quarter this season and has struggled to develop consistency. Defensively, the Bruins have struggled to stop the run, giving up 244 yards per game.
The defense was pummeled for 298 yards in a 35-10 loss to New Mexico. In response, defensive coordinator Ikaika Malloe has departed from UCLA, and the plan to replace him as defensive play-caller is still being determined.
Skipper believes that if the team embraces hard work, fast play, and physicality, they can still find success in difficult circumstances. He hopes to create an environment where UCLA can play with these traits to address the team's struggles.
A high-profile addition to UCLA's offense is former Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who could provide a boost to the struggling offense. Players are now free to enter the transfer portal, and some could decide to take a redshirt season.
Skipper had a 6-7 season at Fresno State that ended with a double overtime loss in the Idaho Potato Bowl. He took over UCLA following the firing of head coach DeShaun Foster. Skipper learned from his experience at Fresno State in 2024 and hopes to apply those lessons to his tenure at UCLA.
Despite the team's struggles, Skipper does not believe motivation will be a problem for the rest of the season. The Bruins will look to turn things around and secure their first win of the season in their upcoming games.
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