The longtime Pac-12 Conference counterparts reunite under the Big Ten banner Saturday when UCLA hosts Washington in Pasadena, Calif., for the 78th all-time matchup between the programs.
Washington (7-3, 4-3 Big Ten) makes its first visit to Rose Bowl Stadium since September 2022, playing the first of two late-regular season matchups against former Pac-12 opponents. A Thanksgiving weekend home date against rival Oregon looms on Nov. 29.
With the opportunity to play spoiler against the College Football Playoff hopeful Ducks, the Huskies look to avoid a disappointment this week against the Bruins (3-7, 3-4).
“I’m really excited to get back out there and play that game in that stadium,” said Washington coach Jedd Fisch, who previously was offensive coordinator at UCLA in 2017 and replaced Jim Mora as interim coach to close out this season.
“We talked to our team about what it’s like to play in this stadium and how cool it is to pull up to this parking lot.”
Since posting three straight wins shortly after the firing of head coach DeShaun Foster, UCLA has regressed with three straight losses. Following a 28-21 home loss to Nebraska on Nov. 8 came blowout road losses to the nation’s two top-ranked teams, Indiana and Ohio State.
“We are focused on finishing the season well,” interim coach Tim Skipper said Monday. “…Everyone knows you are measured when you face adversity.”
In its last four games, including a 20-17 win over Maryland, UCLA has averaged just 14.3 points per game. Continuing uncertainty over the availability of quarterback Nico Iamaleava compounds the Bruins’ challenges.
He suffered a concussion in the loss to Nebraska, which kept him sidelined for last Saturday’s 48-10 loss to Ohio State. Luke Duncan got the start against the Buckeyes, completing 16 of 23 passes for 154 yards with an 18-yard touchdown run to Kwazi Gilmer.
The running game provided little support, however, with UCLA totaling just 68 yards on the ground.
Iamaleava was described as daily by Skipper earlier this week.
Meanwhile, Washington’s offense has been on a roller coaster ride in recent weeks, scoring just seven and 10 points in losses to Michigan and Wisconsin, but putting up 42 and 49 points in wins over Illinois and Purdue.
Quarterback Demond Williams Jr. combined for six touchdown passes in the two wins, while finishing with just one touchdown pass and four interceptions in those two losses.
–Field level media
